SRC-MAX S.J.R. 19 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.J.R. 19
By: Wentworth
Jurisprudence
2-23-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Supreme Court is authorized to sit at any time during the
year at the seat of government  for the transaction of business.  Many of
the courts of appeals and supreme courts in other states have found that
conducting occasional oral arguments away from the Capitol is educational
to the bench, the bar, and the public.  S.J.R. 19 authorizes the Supreme
Court to sit at any location in this state to transact business. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.J.R. 19 requires the submission to the voters of a
constitutional amendment to authorize the Supreme Court to sit at any
location in this state to transact business. 

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 3a, Article V, Texas Constitution, to authorize
the Supreme Court to sit at any time during the year at the seat of
government or, at the court's discretion, at any other location in this
state for the transaction of business and each term thereof is required to
begin and end with each calendar year. 

SECTION 2. Requires this proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted
to the voters at an election to be held November 4, 1997.  Sets forth the
required language for the ballot.