SRC-JEC S.B. 394 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 394
77R3412 JSA-DBy: Duncan
Jurisprudence
2/1/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The state's district courts have not been comprehensively redistricted
since 1876.  A 1985 constitutional amendment provided for periodic
redistricting through the Judicial Redistricting Board, but a judicial
redistricting plan was never adopted by the legislature.  The legislature
has adequately maintained existing courts and added new ones as needed,
based on data that, with the advent of new technology, continues to be
easier to collect.  Hence, the need for a board to complete a statewide
court-by-court analysis has diminished.  As proposed, S.B. 394 abolishes
the Judicial Redistricting Board. 

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.  Repealer: Chapter 24F (Reapportionment of Judicial Districts),
Government Code. 

SECTION 2.   Effective date:  January 1, 2002.
Makes application of this Act contingent upon approval by the voters of
the constitutional amendment proposed by the 77th Legislature, Regular
Session, 2001, to repeal the constitutional requirement for decennial
reapportionment of the judicial districts and to abolish the Judicial
Districts Board.