In this chapter:

1. (1) "Alternative dispute resolution procedure" includes:

   1. (A) a procedure described by Chapter 154, Civil Practice and Remedies Code; and
   2. (B) a combination of the procedures described by Chapter 154, Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
2. (2) "Governmental body" has the meaning assigned by Section 552.003.

3. (3) "State agency" means an officer, board, commission, department, or other agency in the executive branch of state government with statewide jurisdiction that makes rules or determines contested cases. The term includes:

   1. (A) the attorney general;
   2. (B) an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code; and
   3. (C) the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

4. (4) The following terms have the meanings assigned by Section 2001.003:

   1. (A) "contested case";
   2. (B) "party";
   3. (C) "person"; and
   4. (D) "rule."

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 934, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Renumbered from Government Code Sec. 2008.003 by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 19.01(55), eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Renumbered from Government Code Sec. 2008.003 and amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1352, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.