79R1855 SGA-F
By: Talton H.B. No. 570
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the application of arbitration agreements to certain
other agreements.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Sections 171.002(a) and (b), Civil Practice and
Remedies Code, are amended to read as follows:
(a) This chapter does not apply to:
(1) a collective bargaining agreement between an
employer and a labor union;
(2) an agreement for the acquisition by one or more
individuals of personal property, services, money, or credit in
which the total consideration to be furnished by the individual is
not more than $100,000 [$50,000], except as provided by Subsection
(b);
(2-a) an agreement for the acquisition by one or more
individuals of a single-family dwelling in which the total
consideration to be furnished by the individual is not more than
$250,000, except as provided by Subsection (b);
(3) a claim for personal injury, except as provided by
Subsection (c);
(4) a claim for workers' compensation benefits; or
(5) an agreement made before January 1, 1966.
(b) An agreement described by Subsection (a)(2) or (a)(2-a)
is subject to this chapter if:
(1) the parties to the agreement agree in writing to
arbitrate; and
(2) the agreement is signed by each party and each
party's attorney.
SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies only
to an arbitration agreement executed on or after the effective date
of this Act. An arbitration agreement that was executed before the
effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the
date the agreement was executed and that law is continued in effect
for that purpose.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2005.