SRC-SEW H.B. 1394 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1394
77R2937 JMC-DBy: Berman (Staples)
Intergovernmental Relations
5/8/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the City of Bullard does not have a municipal court of record.
Without a record of court proceedings, a person may appeal a municipal
court decision to a county court without prima facie evidence of judicial
or clerical error, effectively resulting in a de novo trial for that
person. In addition to the possible nullification of soundly made municipal
court decisions, such appeals to the county court may cause a backlog in
county court cases. The creation of a municipal court of record may reduce
the number of appeals filed with the county court. H.B. 1394 creates a
municipal court of record in Bullard.  

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 Chapter 30, Government Code, by adding Subchapter MM, as
follows: 

SUBCHAPTER MM.  BULLARD

Sec. 30.01481.  APPLICATION.  Provides that this subchapter applies to the
City of Bullard. 

Sec. 30.01482.  QUALIFICATIONS OF JUDGE.  Sets forth requirements for a
municipal judge.  Provides that Section 30.00006(c) does not apply to this
subchapter. 
 
SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.