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.