PMWJ H.B. 2734 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


JUDICIAL AFFAIRS
H.B. 2734
By: Uher
4-16-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

 Matagorda County currently has a Constitutional County Judge who performs
required judicial duties including criminal, probate, and juvenile cases.
In addition, the County Judge performs all other necessary administrative
duties required.  Matagorda County has no County Courtat-Law, but
legislation was passed last session authorizing a Matagorda County Court
at Law to be effective January 1, 1998, or on an earlier date determined
by the commissioners court. 
 At this time, county officials do not believe that a statutory county
court will be necessary this year. 


PURPOSE

 HB 2734  will give Matagorda County until September 1, 2001, to create a
County Court at Law.  


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 2, Chapter 551, Act of the 74th Legislature,
Regular Session, 1995, to change the date the County Court-at-Law of
Matagorda County will be established from on or before January 1, 1998 to
on or before September 1, 2001. 

 SECTION 2.  Emergency clause.  Effective date.