§ 155.004.Application of Certain Alternate Dispute Resolution Procedures

Rather than restating the general statute, this chapter borrows the parts it needs.

Sections 154.021 through 154.023 come across — the referral power, the notice and objection procedure, and the definition of mediation.

Sections 154.053 and 154.054 come across, carrying the neutral’s duties and the court’s power to set and tax a fee.

Sections 154.071 through 154.073 come across, covering the enforceability of a written settlement agreement, statistical reporting, and confidentiality.

Confidentiality is the borrowed provision that matters most. A party mediating during settlement week is protected exactly as one mediating in any other case.

The objection right travels too. Section 154.022 gives a party 10 days to object to a referral, and settlement week does not shorten it.

Some sections are left behind. The mini-trial, moderated settlement conference and summary jury trial provisions are not on the list, which fits a program built around mediation.

Borrowing keeps the two chapters in step. An amendment to Chapter 154’s confidentiality or duties sections reaches settlement weeks without any change here.

What is borrowed defines what settlement week is. Mediation, its confidentiality and the enforceability of the resulting agreement — the elements a party needs to participate with confidence.