ALTERNATIVE RULEMAKING AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

(a) The finance commission by rule shall develop a policy to encourage the use of: (1) negotiated rulemaking procedures under Chapter 2008, Government Code, for the adoption of rules by the finance commission applicable to the office; and (2) appropriate alternative dispute resolution procedures under Chapter 2009, Government Code, to assist in the resolution of internal and external disputes under the office's jurisdiction. (b) The procedures applicable to the office relating to alternative dispute resolution must conform, to the extent possible, to any model guidelines issued by the State Office of Administrative Hearings for the use of alternative dispute resolution by state agencies. (c) The office shall: (1) coordinate the implementation of the policy adopted under Subsection (a); (2) provide training as needed to implement the procedures for negotiated rulemaking or alternative dispute resolution; and (3) collect data concerning the effectiveness of those procedures.