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.