SRC-SLL H.B. 844 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 844 By: McReynolds (Nixon) Criminal Justice 5-14-97 Engrossed DIGEST The district attorney for the 1st Judicial District now represents the state in district court for the counties of Newton, Sabine, and San Augustine. Newton County has experienced a large increase in the number of cases referred to the district attorney's office. The number of juvenile referrals handled by the district attorney's office has also increased. This increase has reduced the ability of the district attorney's office to effectively prosecute each case. This bill will create the office of district attorney for Judicial District 1-A and abolish the jurisdiction of the district attorney for the 1st Judicial District in Newton County. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 844 creates the office of district attorney for Judicial District 1-A and abolishes the jurisdiction of the district attorney for the 1st Judicial District in Newton County. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 43.101, Government Code, to provide that the voters of Sabine and San Augustine counties, rather than Newton, Sabine, and San Augustine counties, elect a district attorney for the 1st Judicial District. SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 43B, Government Code, by adding Section 43.1015, as follows: Sec. 43.1015. JUDICIAL DISTRICT 1-A. Provides that the voters of Newton County elect a district attorney for Judicial District 1-A who represents the state in that district court only in that county. Provides that the district attorney of Judicial District 1-A also acts as the district attorney for the 1st Judicial District in Newton County. Prohibits county funds from being expended for the purpose of establishing the office of district attorney for Judicial District 1-A without approval of a majority of the commissioners court. SECTION 3. Sets forth regulations for the election of the district attorney for Judicial District 1-A. SECTION 4. Effective date: January 1, 1999, except as provided by Subsection (b). (b) Effective date for SECTION 3 of this Act: September 1, 1997. SECTION 5. Emergency clause.