BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 2096 By: Thompson 3-14-95 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Currently Section 75.404(e) only allows a former justice of the peace to serve as a special judge in justice courts when the regular justice is absent or unable to preside, in Harris County. In Harris County, there are sixteen justice courts and three former justices. This has led to a shortage of potential special judges in Harris County. There are, however, many former county, statutory county court, and district court judges who are qualified to serve as special judges. PURPOSE The purpose of this bill is to allow a former county, statutory county court, or district court judge to be appointed as a special judge to preside in a justice court in Harris County. 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. Section 75.404(e) of the Government Code is amended to allow a former county court, statutory county court, or district judge to be appointed as a special judge of a justice court in Harris County. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION Pursuant to a public notice posted March 8, 1995, in accordance with House rules, the Committee on Judicial Affairs met in a public hearing on March 14, 1995, to consider House Bill 2096. The Chair recognized the author, Rep. Thompson, to explain the bill. Bob Wessels, representing Harris County Justice of the Peace Tony Polumbo, testified for H.B. 2096. Rep. Alonzo moved that H.B. 2096 be reported favorably back to the full House, with the recommendation that it do pass, be printed and sent to the Local and Consent Calendars Committee. The motion prevailed by the following record vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 PNV and 2 absent.