SRC-ARR H.B. 2580 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2580 76R6358 KLA-DBy: Hartnett (Wentworth) Jurisprudence 5/4/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Questions have arisen in litigation regarding whether the scope of a probate court's power to transfer a case under Section 5B, Probate Code, is equal to the scope of its power to hear a case. H.B. 2580 amends that section to clarify a statutory probate court's authority to transfer and consolidate proceedings involving an estate or guardianship, including causes of action involving a personal representative of an estate or a ward's estate. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2580 transfers certain proceedings to a statutory probate court. 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 5B, Texas Probate Code, to authorize a judge of a statutory probate court, on certain motions to transfer to the court from a district, county, or statutory court a cause of action in which a personal representative of an estate pending in the statutory probate court is a party. Makes a conforming change. SECTION 2. Amends Section 608, Texas Probate Code, to make a conforming change. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1999. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 4. Emergency clause.