SRC-AXB S.B. 412 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 412 76R1633 JSA-DBy: Duncan Jurisprudence 3/5/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, the Texas Constitution requires the Judicial Districts Board (JDB) to make a statewide reapportionment of judicial districts, if the Legislature fails to do so within a certain deadline. However, if the JDB is unsuccessful, the reapportionment responsibility falls to the Legislative Redistricting Board. Abolishing the Judicial Districts Board avoids a worst-case scenario in which both agencies fail to carry out the redistricting process. This bill would abolish the Judicial Districts Board and replace it with the Legislative Redistricting Board, and streamline the responsibilities of the new board. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 412 abolishes the Judicial Districts Board, and replaces it with the Legislative Redistricting Board while streamlining the new board's responsibilities. Additionally, it deletes text charging the abolished board with reapportionment responsibilities. 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 24.942(1), Government Code, to redefine "board" and sets forth that the Legislative Redistricting Board (board) is established by Section 28, Article III, Texas Constitution. SECTION 2. Amends Sections 24.943 and 24.944, Government Code, to make a conforming change, and delete text relating to reapportionment orders and responsibilities of the board. SECTION 3. Amends Section 24.945(e), Government Code, to make conforming changes. SECTION 4. Amends Section 24.946, Government Code, to require the board to meet in accordance with Section 7a, Article V, Texas Constitution. Requires a peace officer to serve a subpoena issued by the board on the request of the presiding officer of the board, rather than the chairman. Deletes text requiring certain actions of the board regarding reapportionment work completion dates. SECTION 5. Repealer: Section 24.947, Government Code (Reapportionment Orders). SECTION 6. Effective date: January 1, 2000, if the constitutional amendment to abolish Judicial Districts Board is abolished. Provides that this Act has no effect if voters do not approve this constitutional amendment proposed by the 76th Legislature, Regular Session, 1999. SECTION 7. Emergency clause.