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.