SRC-SEW H.B. 3646 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3646
By: Kitchen (Barrientos)
Intergovernmental Relations
5/5/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, the jurisdictional limit in civil cases in Travis County
is between $500 and $100,000. In addition, county courts at law can seat
only a six-person jury when a party requests a jury. Many metropolitan
counties have either removed the jurisdictional limit or set limits at or
exceeding $250,000. H.B. 3646 increases the maximum amount in controversy
for civil cases in the Travis County courts at law to $250,000, and
provides the option for a party to request a 12-member jury.  

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, Government Code, by adding Subsections
(a) and (d),  as follows: 

(a)  Provides that, in addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section
25.0003 and other law, a county court at law in Travis County has
concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in civil cases in which the
matter in controversy exceeds $500 but does not exceed $250,000, excluding
interest, statutory or punitive damages and penalties, and attorney's fees
and costs, as alleged on the face of the petition. 
 
(d)  Provides that, in civil cases, the jury is composed of six members
except under certain conditions.   
   
SECTION 2. Makes application of Section 25.2292(d), Government Code, as
added by this Act, prospective regarding a case filed on or after the
effective date of this Act.  
 
SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2001.