SRC-JJJ S.B. 1150 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1150
By: Wentworth
Jurisprudence
3/18/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, some statutory courts have attempted to alter the current
probate system by giving themselves probate jurisdiction without converting
the court into a statutory probate court.  These courts lack the
specialized staff needed to handle probate cases effectively.  S.B. 1150
would delete any statutory provisions granting statutory probate court
jurisdiction and authority to courts other than statutory probate courts. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1150 establishes provisions regarding the statutory
probate court jurisdiction. 

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 21.009(2), Government Code, to redefine
"statutory county court." 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 25.003, Government Code, by adding Subsection
(f), to provide that a statutory probate county does not have the
jurisdiction of a statutory probate court granted statutory probate courts
by the Texas Probate Code. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 25.1802(a), Government Code, to delete text
providing that a county court in Nueces County has the general jurisdiction
and authority provided  for a probate or statutory court.  Deletes text
regarding the inclusion of a statutory probate court in cases involving
mental health matters.  Deletes text regarding the pendent and ancillary
jurisdiction necessary to promote judicial efficiency and economy.  Makes
conforming changes. 

SECTION 4.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.