85R25011 CAE-F     By: Murr H.B. No. 2574     Substitute the following for H.B. No. 2574:     By:  Murr C.S.H.B. No. 2574       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to rules adopted by the Texas Supreme Court to promote the   expedited resolution of a civil action.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 22.004(h), Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (h)  The supreme court shall adopt rules to promote the   prompt, efficient, and cost-effective resolution of civil actions.     The rules shall apply to civil actions in district courts, county   courts at law, and statutory probate courts in which the amount in   controversy, inclusive of all claims for damages of any kind,   whether actual or exemplary, a penalty, [attorney's fees,]   expenses, costs, interest, or any other type of damage of any kind,   does not exceed $100,000.  Attorney's fees are not included in   determining the amount in controversy under this subsection.     Notwithstanding any other law, the rules shall provide that   attorney's fees awarded in an action under this subsection may not   exceed $50,000.  The rules shall address the need for lowering   discovery costs in these actions and the procedure for ensuring   that these actions will be expedited in the civil justice system.     The supreme court may not adopt rules under this subsection that   conflict with a provision of:                (1)  Chapter 74, Civil Practice and Remedies Code;                (2)  the Family Code;                (3)  the Property Code; or                (4)  the Tax Code.          SECTION 2.  Not later than January 1, 2018, the Texas Supreme   Court shall adopt rules necessary to implement Section 22.004(h),   Government Code, as amended by this Act.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.