SRC-SEW H.B. 2167 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2167
77R3939 KLA-DBy: Keel (Barrientos)
Intergovernmental Relations
5/6/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Travis County Court at Law Number 4 was established in 1999 as a special
court to handle misdemeanor family violence criminal cases and protective
orders. In the same year, the penalty for a second family violence assault
was increased to a felony of the third degree. Consequently, cases that
would otherwise have been handled in County Court at Law Number 4 of Travis
County were randomly assigned to criminal district courts in Travis County.
In addition, County Court at Law Number 4 of Travis County issues
protective orders. A primary concept of the domestic violence court is for
the same court to hear any alleged criminal violations of protective orders
that it has granted. Currently, County Court at Law Number 4 of Travis
County hears all violations of protective orders except those violated by
assault or stalking, which is also a felony of the third degree.  H.B. 2167
grants County Court at Law Number 4 of Travis County concurrent
jurisdiction for family violence related felonies of the third degree.  

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 25.2292(c), Government Code, to provide that, in
addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section 25.0003 and other law, the
County Court at Law Number 4 of Travis County has concurrent jurisdiction
with the district court in state jail felony and third degree felony cases
involving family violence, as defined by Section 71.004, Family Code.
Requires the court to give preference to cases in which family violence is
alleged, including cases under Title 4 (rather than Chapter 71), Family
Code. 
 
SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2001.