SRC-HRD S.B. 286 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 286 By: Harris Finance 2-25-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, Tarrant County criminal courts are experiencing a sharp increase in case workload and it is expected that this trend will continue. This increase is the likely result of an increase in local population and changing laws and prosecution strategies, especially in the areas of juvenile and sex offenses. This bill would create two additional criminal district courts in Tarrant County. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 286 creates the 403rd and 407th Judicial Districts and requires the district courts in each to give preference to criminal cases. 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 Chapter 24C, Government Code, by adding Sections 24.547 and 24.551, as follows: Sec. 24.547. 403RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT COUNTY). Provides that the 403rd Judicial District is composed of Tarrant County. Requires the 403rd District Court to give preference to criminal cases. Sec. 24.551. 407TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT COUNTY). Provides that the 407th Judicial District is composed of Tarrant County. Requires the 407th District Court to give preference to criminal cases. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.