HBA-RBT H.B. 1222 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1222 By: Krusee Judicial Affairs 2/26/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, Williamson County has three district courts. No new courts have been added to the county since 1991. Since that time, Williamson County has experienced explosive growth, increasing more than 50 percent in population. Recent population estimates by the Austin Transportation Study (ATS) predict Williamson County's population will increase nearly 400 percent in the next twenty-five years. Already, the three existing district courts are backlogged to the point that additional courts are needed to relieve the crowded dockets. Since the last district court was created, the number of cases filed has increased nearly 40 percent and dispositions have increased nearly 50 percent. H.B. 1222 creates an additional district court in Williamson County. 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 Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government Code, by adding Section 24.558, as follows: Sec. 24.558. 413TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (WILLIAMSON COUNTY). Creates the 413th Judicial District, which is composed of Williamson County. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.