HBA-KDB H.B. 1876 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1876
By: Gray
Judicial Affairs
3/20/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under current 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.  However, there is concern that a master in chancery for a
delinquent ad valorem tax suit (master) may not practice law in the court
the master serves.  House Bill 1876 authorizes such a master to practice
law in the court the master serves if otherwise qualified to do so. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 1876 amends the Tax Code to authorize an attorney appointed a
master in chancery for a delinquent ad valorem tax suit, notwithstanding
any other law or requirement, to practice law in the referring court if
otherwise qualified to do so. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001.