S.B. No. 1422
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to the use of digitized signatures for pleadings and
  orders in suits affecting the parent-child relationship.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 101, Family Code, is amended by adding
  Section 101.0096 to read as follows:
         Sec. 101.0096.  DIGITIZED SIGNATURE. "Digitized signature"
  means a graphic image of a handwritten signature having the same
  legal force and effect for all purposes as a handwritten signature.
         SECTION 2.  Chapter 102, Family Code, is amended by adding
  Section 102.014 to read as follows:
         Sec. 102.014.  USE OF DIGITIZED SIGNATURE. (a)  A digitized
  signature on an original petition under this chapter or any other
  pleading or order in a suit satisfies the requirements for and
  imposes the duties of signatories to pleadings, motions, and other
  papers identified under Rule 13, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
         (b)  A digitized signature under this section may be applied
  only by, and must remain under the sole control of, the person whose
  signature is represented.
         SECTION 3.  The changes in law made by this Act to Chapters
  101 and 102, Family Code, apply only to a suit affecting the
  parent-child relationship filed on or after the effective date of
  this Act. A suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed
  before that date is governed by the law in effect on the date the
  suit was filed, and the former law is continued in effect for that
  purpose.
         SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.
 
 
 
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1422 passed the Senate on
  April 18, 2013, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1422 passed the House on
  May 20, 2013, by the following vote:  Yeas 147, Nays 0, two
  present not voting.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
 
  Approved:
 
  ______________________________ 
              Date
 
 
  ______________________________ 
            Governor