SRC-JEC S.B. 954 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 954 77R5408 JMC-FBy: Barrientos Intergovernmental Relations 4/5/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, in addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, a statutory county court has concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in civil cases in which the matter in controversy exceeds $500 but does not exceed $100,000. As proposed, S.B. 954 provides an alternative to Travis County's crowded district courts by raising the concurrent jurisdictional cap for statutory county courts up to $250,000. It also provides for a 12-member jury upon written request by either party in cases in which the matter in controversy is more than $100,000. 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 regardless of the amount in controversy, except that, unless otherwise provided by law, a county court at law does not have concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in: family law cases and proceedings; or any matter in which exclusive jurisdiction or venue is in the district court. (b) Provides that the jury in civil cases consists of six members, unless a 12-member jury is required under the constitution or a party to the case requests a 12-member jury in writing before a certain deadline. SECTION 2. Makes application of Section 25.2292(d), as added by this Act, prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2001.