SRC-SLL S.B. 1330 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1330
By: Ellis
Jurisprudence
4-1-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, there is not a uniform system for coordinating cases in rural
courts of the state.  This often leads to inefficiency and increased costs
in the operation of the courts in rural jurisdictions.  This bill provides
for the establishment of a system of rural court coordinators. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1330 provides for the establishment of a system of rural
court coordinators. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the supreme court in SECTION 1 (Section
74.161(a), Government Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 74, Government Code, by adding Subchapter H, as
follows: 

SUBCHAPTER H.  RURAL COURT COORDINATORS

Sec.  74.161.  RURAL COURT COORDINATORS.  Authorizes the supreme court, by
rule, to establish a system of rural court coordinators to improve justice
and expedite the processing of cases in the rural courts of this state.
Authorizes the supreme court to appoint the rural court coordinators.
Authorizes the supreme court to select the judicial districts that are
eligible to participate in the rural court coordinator system.  Provides
that each rural court coordinator serves at the pleasure of the supreme
court. 

Sec.  74.162.  DUTIES. Sets forth duties of the rural court coordinators.

Sec.  74.163.  STAFF.  Authorizes the supreme court to appoint appropriate
staff and support personnel according to the needs of each rural court
coordinator, subject to the availability of funds appropriated by the
legislature for that purpose. 

Sec.  74.164.  COMPENSATION.  Requires the supreme court to determine
reasonable compensation for the rural court coordinators, subject to the
availability of funds appropriated by the legislature for that purpose. 

Sec.  74.165.  OTHER LAW.  Provides that this subchapter does not affect
other provisions of law relating to the pay and duties of court
administrators, court managers, and court coordinators other than the
rural court coordinators appointed by the supreme court. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.