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.