Honorable John T. Smithee, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB670 by Flynn (Relating to the application of foreign laws and foreign forum selection in this state.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to provide that rulings or decisions of a court, arbitrator, or administrative adjudicator can not be based on foreign law if application of the foreign law would result in a violation of a fundamental right guaranteed by the United States Constitution. This bill also provides that a contract provision requiring the use of foreign law in a dispute under the contract is void and removing an action filed in Texas by a Texas resident to another forum is prohibited if application of the foreign law would result in a violation of a fundamental right guaranteed by the United States Constitution.
Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council