Sec. 27.0041. MEDIATION

(a) If a claimant files suit seeking from a contractor damages arising from a construction defect in an amount greater than $7,500, the claimant or contractor may file a motion to compel mediation of the dispute. The motion must be filed not later than the 90th day after the date the suit is filed.

(b) Not later than the 30th day after the date a motion is filed under Subsection (a), the court shall order the parties to mediate the dispute. If the parties cannot agree on the appointment of a mediator, the court shall appoint the mediator.

(c) The court shall order the parties to begin mediation of the dispute not later than the 30th day after the date the court enters its order under Subsection (b) unless the parties agree otherwise or the court determines additional time is required. If the court determines that additional time is required, the court may order the parties to begin mediation of the dispute not later than the 60th day after the date the court enters its order under Subsection (b).

(d) Unless each party who has appeared in a suit filed under this chapter agrees otherwise, each party shall participate in the mediation and contribute equally to the cost of the mediation.

(e) Section 154.023, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, and Subchapters C and D, Chapter 154, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, apply to a mediation under this section to the extent those laws do not conflict with this section.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 189, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.