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.