SRC-SLL S.B. 1314 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1314
By: Barrientos
Jurisprudence
3-21-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Travis County has four county courts for criminal cases.  In
1996, 3,859 family violence cases were prosecuted in county court.  The
Austin Police Department reported a 550 percent increase in family
violence arrests from 1991-1994.  A court devoted solely to family
violence cases will make the handling of such cases a more efficient and
sensitive process.  The court could also facilitate coordination between
various support services in the community and reduce the time between the
incident and the disposition of the case.  This bill will create County
Court at Law Number 4 of Travis County. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1314  creates County Court at Law Number 4 of Travis
County. 

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 Section 25.2291(a), Government Code, to add County Court
at Law Number 4 of Travis County to the statutory Travis County Courts.
Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 25.2292, Government Code, by adding Subsection
(c), to require the County Court at Law Number 4 of Travis County to give
preference to cases in which family violence is alleged, including cases
under Chapter 71, Family Code. 

SECTION 3. Provides that, notwithstanding Section 25.2291(a)(4),
Government Code, as amended by this Act, the County Court at Law Number 4
of Travis County is created January 1, 1999. 

SECTION 4. Requires, notwithstanding Section 25.0009, Government Code, the
initial vacancy in the office of judge on creation of the County Court at
Law Number 4 of Travis County to be filled by election.  Provides that the
office of judge of the County Court at Law Number 4 of Travis County
exists for purposes of the primary and general election in 1998.  Provides
that a vacancy after the initial vacancy is filled as provided by Section
25.0009, Government Code. 

SECTION 5. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.