BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1483
By: Lucio
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The eviction process in this state is very quick and short. Within six to 10 days of the day the citation is served, there is a trial, and within six days of the day of the trial, including weekends and holidays, a writ of possession on the property may be issued. It is important to provide a clear and simple notice to tenants that states that there are immediate deadlines in the eviction process and informs the tenant where to obtain legal advice.
S.B. 1483 requires that the notice which informs tenants about a suit to evict state that there are immediate deadlines and include the toll-free number to the State Bar of Texas.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to any state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 24.0051, Property Code, by adding Subsection (d), as follows:
(d) Requires the citation required by Rule 739, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, in an eviction suit described by Subsection (c), to include a notice to the defendant on the first page of the citation in English and Spanish and in conspicuous bold print a statement that informs the defendant that the suit involves immediate deadlines, that free and low-cost legal assistance is available, and that provides the State Bar of Texas' toll-free number.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2007.