SRC-JBJ H.B. 1876 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1876 77R6783 JD-DBy: Gray (Jackson) Jurisprudence 4/24/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Under current Texas law, a master appointed to conduct a probable cause hearing for court-ordered mental health services may practice law in the court the master serves, but there is some confusion regarding the authority of a master in chancery for a delinquent ad valorem tax suit to practice law in the court in which that master serves. As proposed, H.B. 1876 authorizes a master in chancery for a delinquent ad valorem tax suit to practice law in the court the master serves if otherwise qualified to do so. 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 33.71, Tax Code, by adding Subsection (h), to authorize an attorney appointed a master under this section, notwithstanding any other law or requirement, to practice law in the referring court if otherwise qualified to do so. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.