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.