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.