H.B. 338 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 338 By: Cook, Byron Judicial Affairs Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In 2001, the Legislature passed S.B. 1808 which established a County Court at Law in Navarro County. Included in S.B. 1808 was a provision for a non-binding referendum allowing the citizens of Navarro County to express their opinion regarding the creation of the court. The citizens of that county were assured that if the court was not approved in the referendum, legislation would be introduced in the 78th Legislature to abolish the court. In November 2001, the voters of Navarro County rejected the creation of this court by a roughly 70% margin. Thus, this court only exists on paper. It was never operational, never had a judge nor did it ever have any pending cases. H.B. 338 will abolish the County Court at Law for Navarro County in accordance with the wishes of the voters of the county. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS H.B. 338 repeals Sections 25.1771 and 25.1772 of the Government Code, thus abolishing the County Court at Law in Navarro County. EFFECTIVE DATE Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect on September 1, 2003.