H.B. 501 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 501
By: Telford
Judicial Affairs
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

In many counties, the Constitutional County Court has general criminal
jurisdiction, which helps alleviate the burden on state district courts.
A number of years ago, general criminal jurisdiction was removed from the
County Court of Marion County.  This has led to a backlog in the state
district courts with jurisdiction in Marion County (District Courts 115
and 276).  H.B. 501 returns general criminal jurisdiction to the County
Court of Marion 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. 501 amends Section 26.258 of the Government Code to add general
criminal jurisdiction to the jurisdiction of the County Court of Marion
County. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003.