BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 2071
By: Lewis of Tarrant
4-18-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

     Currently, either party in a civil case can object to the
assignment of a judge as permitted under Section 74.053 of the
Government Code.


PURPOSE

     This bill would allow either party in a criminal case to
object to an assigned judge.


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

     It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not
expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency or institution.


SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

     SECTION 1 amends Section 74.053(b) of the Government Code to
allow a party to a criminal case to file one objection to an
assigned judge.

     SECTION 2.  Effective date.  Application of act.

     SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

     Pursuant to a public notice posted on April 6, 1995, the
Committee on Judicial Affairs met in a public hearing on April 18,
1995, to consider H.B. 2071.  The Chair laid out H.B. 2071 and
recognized the author, Rep. Lewis, to explain the bill.  Keith
Hampton, representing the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers
Association, testified for the bill.  Rep. Goodman moved to report
H.B. 2071 favorably back to the full House, without amendment, with
the recommendation that it do pass, be printed and sent to the
Committee on Calendars.  The motion prevailed by the following
record vote:  5 ayes, 1 nay, 0 PNV and 3 absent.