SRC-AAA H.B. 1916 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterH.B. 1916
By: Goodman (Harris)
Jurisprudence
4-29-97
Committee Report (Amended)


DIGEST 

Currently, there is a backlog of domestic violence cases in Tarrant
County.  This bill provides that Tarrant County has criminal courts which
include County Criminal Court No. 5 of Tarrant County and requires the
court to give preferences to certain family law cases. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1916 adds County Criminal Court No. 5 of Tarrant County
and requires the court to give preference to certain family law cases. 

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 25.2221(b), Government Code, to provide that
Tarrant County has criminal courts which include County Criminal Court No.
5 of Tarrant County. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 25.2223, Government Code, by amending Subsection
(a) and adding Subsection (l),  to provide that the County Criminal Court
No. 5 of Tarrant County has concurrent jurisdiction within the county of
all appeals from criminal convictions in Tarrant County.  Requires the
County Criminal Court No. 5 of Tarrant County to give preference to cases
brought under Title 5, Penal Code,  involving family violence as defined
by Section 71.01, Family Code, and cases under Sections 25.07 and 42.072,
Penal Code. Makes a conforming change.  

SECTION 3. Repealer: Sections 25.2221(d) and 25.2225, Government Code
(Tarrant County). 

SECTION 4. (a) Provides that the County Criminal Court of Appeals of
Tarrant County is redesignated as the County Criminal Court No. 5 of
Tarrant County.   

(b)  Sets forth requirements for filling the vacancy in the office of
County Criminal Court No. 5 of Tarrant County. 

SECTION 5. Sets forth the initial term of the  County Criminal Court No. 5
of Tarrant County. Requires the commissioners court to determine terms
after the initial term. 

SECTION 6. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 7. Emergency clause. 

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES


Amendment 1.

Amends Section 25.2223, Government Code, on page 2, lines 3-4, to strike:
"The County Criminal Courts  Nos. 3, 4, 5, and 6 of Tarrant County also
have" and insert in lieu thereof:  "The County Criminal Court No. 5 of
Tarrant County also has."