SRC-AXB S.B. 548 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 548 76R1780 MLS-DBy: Harris Jurisprudence 3/1/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, Tarrant County criminal district courts are experiencing a sharp increase in caseload because of population growth and new laws relating to juvenile and sex offenses. Because increasing trend is expected to continue, two new criminal district courts have been requested. S.B. 548 creates two new judicial districts and requires them to give preference to criminal cases. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 548 creates the 397th and 398th judicial districts and requires both to give preference to criminal cases. 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 24C, Government Code, by adding Sections 24.542 and 24.543, as follows: Sec. 24.542. 397TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT COUNTY). Provides that the 397th Judicial District is composed of Tarrant County. Requires the 397th District Court to give preference to criminal cases. Sec. 24.543. 398TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT COUNTY). Provides that the 398th Judicial District is composed of Tarrant County. Requires the 398th District Court to give preference to criminal cases. SECTION 2.Creates the 397th and 398th judicial districts. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.