HB 965: Voluntary Trial Resolution

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Voluntary Trial Resolution; Removes provisions relating to voluntary trial resolution; authorizes parties to civil cases, family law cases, or probate cases to agree to or stipulate appointment of voluntary trial resolution judge; requires parties to promptly serve copy of joint motion & form on presiding judge; requires presiding judge to enter specified order within certain time period; requires appointed voluntary trial resolution judge to take & subscribe to specified oath; provides exception; requires voluntary trial resolution judge to adjudicate case until final determination of case; requires case to be returned to presiding judge; requires immediate disclosure by voluntary trial resolution judge to parties of circumstances requiring disqualification; authorizes waiver of disqualification; provides for compensation of voluntary trial resolution judge; requires presiding judge to retain jurisdiction for specified purpose; requires clerk of court to treat cases referred to voluntary trial resolution in specified manner; requires chief judge or his or her designee to make available public facilities & personnel in proceedings assigned to voluntary trial resolution judge in specified manner; requires chief judge & clerk to coordinate provision of jurors with voluntary trial resolution judge for certain actions; authorizes parties to agree to use certain facilities for other specified matters; specifies that parties are responsible for certain costs; provides scope of judicial functions of voluntary trial resolution judge; requires presiding judge to maintain jurisdiction to perform certain judicial functions; requires voluntary trial resolution judge to conduct proceedings under specified rules of court; requires voluntary trial resolution proceedings to be noticed & open to public.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 13, 2026Died in Judiciary Committee
2. February 20, 2026Now in Judiciary Committee
3. February 20, 2026Referred to Judiciary Committee
4. February 18, 20261st Reading (Committee Substitute 1)
5. February 18, 2026CS Filed
6. February 18, 2026Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)
7. February 18, 2026Reported out of Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee
8. February 18, 2026Favorable with CS by Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee
9. February 16, 2026Added to Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee agenda
10. January 13, 20261st Reading (Original Filed Version)
11. January 12, 2026Now in Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee
12. January 12, 2026Referred to Judiciary Committee

Showing 12 most recent of 14 actions. Full history