Texas Legislative Update

As many of you know, the 82nd Texas Legislature is currently in full swing. The following notable bills affecting alternative dispute resolution in Texas were filed this session:

• Senate Bill 218, authored by Senator Nelson and referred to the Senate Committee on Jurisprudence, relates “to procedures in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship and the operation of the child protective services and foster care systems.” The bill would affect mediated agreements in family law cases. The full text of the bill is available here.
• House Bill 911, authored by Representative Berman and referred to the House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee, relates “to the application of foreign laws and foreign forum selection in this state.” The bill would affect the application of foreign laws and forum selection provisions in Texas arbitration agreements. You may read the full text of the bill here.
• House Bill 1240, authored by Representatives Zedler and Flynn, relates “to the application of foreign and international laws and doctrines in this state.” The bill would affect the application of foreign law during an arbitration held in Texas. It has not yet been referred to a Committee. The entire bill is available here.

You may monitor bills as they move through the Texas Legislature here. Additionally, you may view individually filed House and Senate bills. The last day of the regular Texas legislative session will be Monday, May 30, 2011.

Tags: Texas Legislation, law, ADR, arbitration