PMWJ S.B. 607 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


JUDICIAL AFFAIRS
S.B. 607
By: Wentworth (Goodman)
5-21-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

 An active court of appeals justice may now be assigned for limited
service on a trial court bench if the justice has trial court experience.  


PURPOSE

 This bill  would allow active justices of the supreme court and judges of
the court of criminal appeals who have had trial court experience to also
be assigned to trial courts for temporary service. Since these judges and
justices promulgate rules for use by trial courts, the bill would give
them practical, "hands on" experience with the rules they have
promulgated. 


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 74.054(a)(5), Government Code, to allow active
justices of the supreme court and judges of the court of criminal appeals
who have had trial court experience to be assigned to trial courts. 

 SECTION 2 amends Section 74.060(b) of the Government Code to prohibit
trial court assignments of active supreme court, court of criminal
appeals, and court of appeals justices and judges  who have served 14 days
or more in a year as a visiting judge. 
  
 SECTION 3 amends Government Code Sec. 74.061 to make conforming changes.

 SECTION 4.  Effective date.  Emergency clause.