SRC-SLL H.B. 3588 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3588
By: Lewis, Glenn (Harris)
Criminal Justice
5-13-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the statutory county criminal court judges of Tarrant County
are not authorized to employ magistrates.  The appointment of one or more
magistrates will enable the statutory county criminal court judges to
better manage their dockets and bring matters to trial in a more timely
manner. Additionally, it will allow the criminal courts to handle more
criminal cases in a cost effective and efficient manner, reduce the
growing backlog of cases, and delay the need to seek authority from the
state to establish additional courts.  This bill will provide regulations
regarding criminal law magistrates in Tarrant County. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3588 provides regulations regarding criminal law
magistrates in Tarrant 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 54.651(a), Government Code, to require the
judges of the county criminal courts of Tarrant County to jointly appoint
the number of magistrates set by the commissioners court to perform the
duties authorized by this subchapter. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 54.656(a), Government Code, to authorize a judge
to refer to a magistrate any criminal case for proceedings involving an
occupational driver's license, among others.  Makes a conforming change. 

SECTION 3. Amends Section 54.659, Government Code, to require the court,
at the request of a party in a felony case, to provide a court reporter to
record the proceedings before the magistrate. 

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.