BILL ANALYSIS


                                                        S.J.R. 40
                                                    By: Wentworth
                                                    Jurisprudence
                                                         03-21-95
                                       Committee Report (Amended)
BACKGROUND

Presently, under Article V, Section 3a of the Texas Constitution,
the Supreme Court may sit only "at the seat of government."  Many
of the courts of appeals and supreme courts in other states have
found that conducting occasional oral arguments away from the
Capitol is educational to the bench, the bar, and the public.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.J.R. 40 requires the submission to the voters of a
constitutional amendment to authorizes the Supreme Court to sit at
any time during the year at any location in this state for the
transaction of business.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 3a, Article V, Texas Constitution, as
follows:

     Sec. 3a.  Authorizes the Supreme Court to sit at any time
     during the year at the seat of government or, at the court's
     discretion, at any other location in this state for the
     transaction of business.
     
     SECTION 2.     Requires this proposed constitutional amendment to be
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 7, 1995. 
Sets forth the required language for the ballot.