PMWJ H.J.R. 22 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS JUDICIAL AFFAIRS H.J.R. 22 By: Zbranek 5-1-97 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Texas' method of selecting judges is confusing to voters, expensive, and biased against voters of color. PURPOSE This proposed constitutional amendment would allow the Legislature to reform the judicial selection process and change the qualifications for judges. 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 7 of Article V of the Texas Constitution to allow the Legislature to provide for the selection, qualification, residency and term of office of district court judges. SECTION 2 amends Section 7a(i) of Article V of the Texas Constitution to allow the Legislature to establish judicial districts smaller in size than an entire county. SECTION 3. Temporary provision to the Texas Constitution providing that the constitutional amendment would take effect on January 1, 1998, and the temporary provision takes effect upon adoption by the voters and expires on January 1, 1999. SECTION 4. Ballot date. Ballot wording.