Texas Government Code - GOV'T § 2009.051. Development and Use of Procedures

(a) Each governmental body may develop and use alternative dispute resolution procedures.  Alternative dispute resolution procedures developed and used by a governmental body must be consistent with Chapter 154, Civil Practice and Remedies Code.

(b) Alternative dispute resolution procedures developed and used by a state agency also must be consistent with the administrative procedure law, Chapter 2001.  The State Office of Administrative Hearings may issue model guidelines for the use of alternative dispute resolution procedures by state agencies.

(c) If a state agency that is subject to Chapter 2001 adopts an alternative dispute resolution procedure, it may do so by rule.