SRC-JJJ H.B. 3499 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3499
76R12717 DB-DBy: Puente (Wentworth)
Jurisprudence
5/10/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law limits the cases or aspects of a case that may be
referred to an associate judge. H.B. 3499 would establish conditions
regarding associate judges appointed by the district courts of Bexar
County. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3499 establishes conditions regarding associate judges
appointed by the district courts of Bexar County. 

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 Chapter 54, Government Code, by adding Subchapter P, as
follows: 

SUBCHAPTER P.  ASSOCIATE JUDGES IN BEXAR COUNTY

Sec. 54.951.  APPLICATION.  Provides that to the extent that this
subchapter conflicts with Chapter 201A, Family Code, this subchapter
controls. 

Sec. 54.952.  CASES THAT MAY BE REFERRED.  Authorizes a judge of a district
court in Bexar County to refer to an associate judge in Bexar County any
case or portion of a case brought under the civil jurisdiction of the
appointing court.  Authorizes an associate judge to preside over a trial on
the merits of a case brought under the civil jurisdiction of the appointing
court, whether or not the trial is before a jury. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.