HBA-MPM H.B. 31 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 31
By: Goolsby
Judicial Affairs
4/13/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current state law limits to $5,000 the amount in controversy in county,
justice, and small claims courts that have jurisdiction in civil cases.
H.B. 31 raises this amount to a maximum of $10,000. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Sections 26.042(a) and (d), Government Code, to increase
from $5,000 to $10,000 the maximum amount that can be sought in civil cases
where the county court and justice courts have concurrent jurisdiction.
Makes a conforming change. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 27.031, Government Code, to increase the maximum
amount in controversy that is within the jurisdiction of a justice court
from $5,000 to $10,000. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 28.003, Government Code, to increase the maximum
amount in controversy that is within the jurisdiction of a small claims
court from $5,000 to $10,000. 

SECTION 4.  Effective date:  September 1, 1999.  
            Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 5.  Emergency clause.