PMWJ S.B. 743 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


JUDICIAL AFFAIRS
S.B. 743
By: Lucio (Hinojosa)
5-21-97
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND 

 Currently, Hidalgo County has seven district courts presiding over the
hearing and disposition of juvenile and family law cases. There has been a
12.7 percent increase in juvenile referrals over the previous year.  This
bill requires the 197th and 206th judicial district to give preference to
juvenile and family law cases. 


PURPOSE

 S.B. 743 requires the 206th and 197th judicial districts to give
preference to juvenile and family law cases. 


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 24.376(b), Government Code, to require the 197th
Judicial District to give preference to juvenile and family law matters,
rather than criminal cases. 

 SECTION 2 amends Section 24.385, Government Code, to require the 206th
Judicial District to give preference to juvenile and family law matters. 

 SECTION 3. Emergency clause.  Effective date.