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.