PMWJ H.B. 3605 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


JUDICIAL AFFAIRS
H.B. 3605
By: Counts
5-8-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

 The 32nd District Court is made up from three counties, Fisher, Mitchell,
and Nolan.  As in most of our courts there is a backlog of cases that need
to be set for trial.  The Nolan County Court at Law exercises concurrent
jurisdiction with the district court in many areas.  The County Court at
Law Judge also presides over numerous civil and criminal cases while
presiding in the district court on assignment.  Under current law
(Government Code Sec. 74.054(b)), the Nolan County Court at Law Judge can
hear only cases in Nolan County.  This bill will allow the Nolan County
Court at Law Judge to be assigned to hear cases in Mitchell and Fisher
Counties. 


PURPOSE

 This bill will allow the Nolan County Court at Law Judge to be assigned
to hear cases in Fisher and Mitchell Counties in the 32nd Judicial
District. 


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.   Section 25.1792(n) Government Code, is amended to provide
that Government Code Sec. 74.054(b), prohibiting a county court at law
judge from serving on assignment outside of the judge's jurisdiction, does
not apply to the Nolan County Court at Law. 

 SECTION  2.  Effective date.  Application of act.

 SECTION  3.  Emergency clause.