C.S.H.B. 3306 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


C.S.H.B. 3306
By: Berman
Appropriations
Committee Report (Substituted)


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Due to the current budget shortfall,  state agencies and institutions of
higher education were asked to prioritize spending based on core functions
and essential services.  The committee looked to these priorities in
preparation of the budget; however, certain statutory changes are also
needed to conform with appropriations levels in the 2004-05 General
Appropriations Act. Committee Substitute House Bill 3306 authorizes these
statutory changes for the judiciary agencies listed under Article IV of
the 2004-05 General Appropriations Act.   


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

Committee Substitute House Bill 3306 authorizes the legislature to reduce
or eliminate statutory amounts going to Article IV state agencies to
balance the budget. 

Committee Substitute House Bill 3306 prohibits a visiting judge or justice
from receiving a salary or expenses in excess of the amount authorized for
that purpose in the General Appropriations Act.  This substitute also
prohibits a local administrative district judge from receiving a salary in
excess of the amount authorized for that purpose in the General
Appropriations Act.  This substitute also prohibits an active district
judge from receiving travel expenses in excess of the amount authorized
for that purpose in the General Appropriations Act. This substitute also
prohibits a judge, justice, or prosecuting attorney from receiving a
salary, salary supplement, or expenses in excess of the amount authorized
for that purpose in the General Appropriations Act. 

Committee Substitute House Bill 3306 prohibits a county from receiving
supplemental salary compensation for county prosecutors or longevity pay
supplements reimbursement, or any other supplements for prosecutors in
excess of the amount authorized for that purpose in the General
Appropriations Act.  This substitute also prohibits a county from
receiving state contributions for salaries or supplements under Chapter 25
or 26 of the Government Code in excess of the amount authorized for that
purpose in the General Appropriations Act.  This substitute also prohibits
a county from receiving reimbursement under Article 11.071, Code of
Criminal Procedure, for reimbursement for compensation and payment of
expenses of counsel under that article, for counsel appointed under that
article or prior law in excess of the amount authorized for that purpose
in the General Appropriations Act.   

Committee Substitute House Bill 3306 prohibits a witness under Article
35.27, Code of Criminal Procedure, from receiving reimbursement for
expenses for attendance in excess of the amount authorized for that
purpose in the General Appropriations Act. 





 EFFECTIVE DATE

Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2003. 


COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

Committee Substitute House Bill 3306 modifies the original by clarifying
language that prohibits a county from receiving reimbursement under
Article 11.071, Code of Criminal Procedure, for reimbursement for
compensation and payment of expenses of counsel under that article, for
counsel appointed under that article or prior law in excess of the amount
authorized for that purpose in the General Appropriations Act.