SRC-JEC H.B. 2314 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2314
77R8287 YDB-DBy: Solomons (Nelson)
Intergovernmental Relations
5/2/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The court system in Denton County is backlogged.  H.B. 2314 creates the
County Court at Law No. 2 of Denton County to help handle the civil
caseload. 

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 25.0631(a), Government Code, to provide that
Denton County has the County Court at Law No. 2 of Denton County, among
other courts. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 25.0633, Government Code, by adding Subsections
(e), (f), (g), and (h), as follows: 

(e) Provides that the County Court at Law No. 2 of Denton County has
jurisdiction over all civil causes and proceedings, original and appellate,
prescribed by law for county courts. 

(f) Provides that the County Court at Law No. 2 of Denton County does not
have jurisdiction over causes and proceedings concerning roads, bridges,
and public highways; the general administration of county business that is
within the jurisdiction of the commissioners court of each county; or
criminal causes and proceedings. 

(g) Provides that the County Court at Law No. 2 of Denton County has the
jurisdiction provided by general law for county courts, statutory county
courts, or district courts over civil penalties and forfeitures, including
bail bond forfeitures and escheats, regardless of the amount in controversy
or remedy sought. 

(h) Provides that appeals in all cases from judgments and orders of the
County Court at Law No. 2 of Denton County are to the court of appeals as
provided for an appeal from a district or county court. 

SECTION 3.  Provides that the County Court at Law No. 2 of Denton County is
created and this Act is effective May 1, 2002.