PMWJ H.B. 2555 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


JUDICIAL AFFAIRS
H.B. 2555
By: Solomons
4-9-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

 Currently, Denton County has two courts dedicated by statute and in
practice exclusively to the adjudication of criminal cases, almost
exclusively class A and B misdemeanors.  The statutory probate court
handles all civil, probate, guardianship, mental health, civil Justice of
the Peace appeals, and administrative appeals (T.A.B.C. applications etc.)
filed at the county level.  The remaining statutory court, County Court at
Law No. 1, is dedicated by statute to juvenile cases and class C Justice
of the Peace and Municipal Court appeals and has almost no time to handle
any significant misdemeanor class A and B caseload. 
 The caseload in both existing County Criminal Courts is extremely heavy.
The caseload and disposition rates in these courts are among the highest
in the state. 


PURPOSE

 This bill creates two county criminal courts in Denton 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 amends Section 25.0631(a) of the Government Code to create
Denton County Criminal Courts Nos. 3 and 4. 

 SECTION 2.  Effective dates.

 SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.