Bill: SB 531, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral

Author(s)

Donna Campbell

Co-Author(s)

Bob Hall
Kelly Hancock
Don Huffines
Lois Kolkhorst
Charles Perry
Van Taylor

Bill Caption

Relating to the application of foreign laws and foreign forum selection in a proceeding involving marriage, a suit for dissolution of a marriage, or a suit affecting the parent-child relationship in this state.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.  

Bill Analysis

SB 531 would amend the Family Code to specify that rulings or decisions for marriage proceedings, a suit for dissolution of a marriage, or a suit affecting the parent-child relationship cannot be based on the judgment of a foreign court, arbitration decision, or application of a foreign law if the law violates a fundamental right guaranteed by the United State Constitution, the constitution of the state, good morals or natural justice, or be prejudicial to the general interests of the citizens of this state. A court of Texas may not use the doctrine of forum non conveniens to deny jurisdiction of a suit affecting the marital relationship or the parent-child relationship because a foreign court is a more convenient forum, if foreign law would be applied contrary to public policy of Texas.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill affirms the principle of limited government. The United States is a nation of laws with fundamental rights rooted in the United States Constitution and does not recognize the use of foreign law to govern United States citizens.  For this reason, we support SB 531.

Source URL (retrieved on 03/28/2024 06:03 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/sb531?print_view=true