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.