LDF Construction, Inc. v. Bryan

OPINION

This is one of the last combinations of proceedings where a party has to pursue a mandamus proceeding if the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) might be applicable and also pursue an interlocutory appeal if the Texas Arbitration Act (TAA) might be applicable. The invitation of the Texas Supreme Court has been acted upon. See Am. Std. v. Brownsville Indep. Sch. Dist. (In re D. Wilson Constr. Co.), 196 S.W.3d 774, 780 n.4 (Tex. 2006) (“We again invite the Legislature, ‘[i]n the interests of promoting the policy considerations of rigorous and expedited enforcement of arbitration agreements, . . . to consider amending the Texas Act to permit interlocutory appeals of orders issued pursuant to the Federal Act.’” (citing Jack B. Anglin Co. v. Tipps, 842 S.W.2d 266, 272 (Tex. 1992)). Effective September 1, 2009, section 51.016 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code was amended to allow an interlocutory appeal of an order denying a motion to compel arbitration under the FAA. See TEX. CIV. PRAC. & REM. CODE ANN. § 51.016 (Vernon Supp. 2009). These proceedings, however, were filed before the effective date of the new statutory provision.