SRC-CDH H.B. 3190 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3190
By: Stiles (Harris)
Jurisprudence
5-8-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Current law permits counties to hold nonjury court proceedings outside the
municipality designated as the county seat.  In Jefferson County, there is
a large correctional facility midway between Port Arthur and Beaumont.
Transporting prisoners to the municipality for jury trials is costly to
the county, and increases the chances that prisoners will escape.  H.B.
3190 allows counties to conduct jury trials in places designated as
auxiliary county seats, thereby allowing counties more flexibility. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3190 provides for the holding of certain court
proceedings outside the municipality designated as the county seat. 

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 292.002(b), Government Code, to authorize the
commissioners court to authorize places located in the county but outside
the municipality designated as the county seat as auxiliary courts for the
holding of court, rather than nonjury court, proceedings; and to designate
those places as auxiliary county seats for this purpose. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date:  upon passage.