| (a) This subchapter applies to internal and external disputes before the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB), including those referred by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), which is subject to the Administrative Procedures Act (APA), Chapter 2001, Texas Government Code. (b) Sections 175.100 - 175.111 of this subchapter supplement the procedures required by the APA, Chapter 2001, Texas Government Code. (c) In accordance with Chapter 2009 of the Texas Government Code and it is the VLB's policy that disputes with the VLB be resolved as fairly and expeditiously as possible. To encourage this policy, the VLB has adopted the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). (d) All ADR procedures shall be consistent with Chapters 2001 and 2009 of the Texas Government Code and Chapter 154 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Chapter 2009 of the Texas Government Code is referred to as the Governmental Dispute Resolution Act or "GDRA". (e) ADR procedures developed and used by the VLB do not limit other dispute resolution procedures available for the VLB. (f) Consistent with this ADR policy, the VLB shall endeavor to educate its staff and persons who are subject to the VLB's jurisdiction concerning the availability of ADR to resolve disputes. (g) The use of ADR may not be applied in a manner that denies a person a right granted under other state or federal law including a right to an administrative or judicial hearing that is allowed or mandated by the VLB or by laws of more general application. (h) Any resolution reached as a result of the ADR procedure should be achieved through the voluntary agreement of the parties. |
