Enrolled Bill Summary

Senate Bill 358 amends the Government Code to grant constitutional county courts in counties with a population of two million or more original jurisdiction over certain truancy cases. The bill authorizes a county judge, with the consent of the commissioners court, to appoint full-time magistrates to hear the cases, with the county judge retaining final authority over the decisions rendered by the magistrate. The bill sets forth the qualifications, compensation, and powers of the magistrate.

Senate Bill 358 amends provisions of the Family Code to redefine delinquent conduct to provide that the costs assessed for a truancy case in a constitutional county court must be the same as those assessed in a justice court and to establish procedures for recording truancy cases. The bill also amends the Education Code and Code of Criminal Procedure to make conforming changes.