HBA-PDH H.B. 1141 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1141
By: Thompson
Civil Practices
2/26/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Section 30.15, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, requires each
party to a civil suit to provide the party's address to the clerk of a
court and provides that this information is confidential absent the express
authorization of the court.  In order to comply with the confidentiality
requirement of Section 30.15, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, a court
must maintain separate files for all civil actions filed with the court.
Rule 76a, Rules of Civil Procedure, currently provides a mechanism to seal
court records when the court determines that confidentiality is necessary.  

H.B. 1141 repeals the confidentiality requirement of Section 30.15, Civil
Practice and Remedies Code, and specifies the courts to which this section
applies. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 30.015(a), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, to
specify the courts to whom written notice of each party's name and current
residence or business address must be given when a civil action is filed. 

SECTION 2.Repealer:  Section 30.015(g) (regarding the confidentiality and
disclosure of information provided to the court clerk), Civil Practice and
Remedies Code. 

SECTION 3.Effective date: September 1, 1999.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4.Emergency clause.