The House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

84th Legislature

September 14, 2016

1:00 p.m.

E2.010

Pursuant to a notice posted on August 17, 2016, the House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Smithee, at 1:11 p.m.

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Smithee; Farrar; Clardy; Hernandez; Laubenberg; Raymond; Schofield; and Sheets.

A quorum was present.

The chair laid out interim charge #5: “Study the implementation of the expedited action provisions of HB 274 (82R), and examine whether these provisions have been effective in encouraging the prompt and efficient resolution of cases.”

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Thompson, Senfronia now present.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The chair laid out interim charge #3: “Evaluate recent efforts to make the court system more accessible for self-represented litigants, and make recommendations on how the courts can more effectively interact with unrepresented parties and increase access to legal information, assistance, and representation. Examine similar efforts in other states.”

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Farrar in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The chair laid out interim charge #2: “Examine whether family law statutes and those affecting the parent-child relationship provide sufficient guidance to Texas judges as to the appropriate application of foreign law. Consider whether additional statutory provisions regarding application of foreign law could provide useful guidance while preserving judges' ability to consider the circumstances of each case and not needlessly prolonging litigation.”

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Smithee in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

At 4:29 p.m., on the motion of Representative Smithee and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

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Rep. Smithee, Chair

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Beth Klunder, Clerk