SRC-JLB H.B. 2341 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2341
78R7038 SLO-DBy: Kolkhorst (Armbrister)
Jurisprudence
5/13/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The 21st and 335th Texas Judicial Districts are composed of Bastrop,
Burleson, Lee, and Washington counties.  Under current law, the voters of
Washington and Burleson counties elect a district attorney for the 21st
Judicial District who represents the state in that district court only in
those two counties.  At present, this district attorney does not have
jurisdiction in the 335th District Court, even though that court's
jurisdiction overlaps with that of the 21st District Court. In addition,
the judges of the 21st and the 335th district courts have an agreement
whereby they will hear civil cases filed in either court.  However, all
criminal cases are now filed only in the 21st District Court.  H.B. 2341
allows the district attorney for the 21st District Court to prosecute
criminal cases in Washington and Burleson counties. 

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 43.108, Government Code, as follows:
 
 Sec. 43.108.  21ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT.  (a)  Created from existing text.

(b)  Provides that the district attorney also represents the state and
performs the duties of district attorney before the 335th District Court
in Washington and Burleson counties. 
 
SECTION 2.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2003.