LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 15, 2003

TO:	Honorable Joe Nixon, Chair, House Committee on Civil Practices
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB2920 by Christian (Relating to revision of Texas arbitration laws.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 171 relating to state arbitration laws. The bill would establish certain requirements for written arbitration agreements and notices from service providers. The bill would amend provisions relating to the scope of state arbitration law and would add provisions limiting consumer arbitration fees.  The bill would provide that provisions in an agreement disfavoring arbitration are unenforceable. The bill adds provisions relating to venue, discovery, and summary disposition in arbitration proceedings. The bill would take effect September 1, 2003.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:	212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 302 Office of the Attorney General
LBB Staff:	JK, GO, VDS, TB