SRC-JBJ H.B. 317 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 317 77R2205 KLA-DBy: Telford (West) Jurisprudence 4/19/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE The Sixth Court of Appeals (court) has appellate jurisdiction over 19 Texas counties. Under current law, the court is only authorized to transact its business in Texarkana or in the courthouses within its 19 county jurisdiction. However, the court is often unable to sit in the county courthouses due to a lack of space and constant activity at the courthouses. As proposed, H.B. 317 authorizes the court to transact its business in the county seat of any county within its jurisdiction, allowing the court to use facilities other than the courthouse. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 22.207(b), Government Code, to authorize the Sixth District Court of Appeals to transact its business in the City of Texarkana or the county seat of any county in the district, rather than in the courthouse of the county seat of any county in the district, under certain conditions. SECTION 2. Effective date: Upon passage or September 1, 2001.