H.B. 3557 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 3557
By: Hamilton
Judicial Affairs
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, there is only one county court at law in Orange County.  This
court is currently backlogged with over 8,700 cases.  H.B. 3557 creates a
second county court at law in Orange County.  It also specifies that
unless otherwise required by law, a jury in a county court at law in
Orange County is composed of six members.  

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. 3557 amends the Government Code to create a second county court at
law for Orange County. The bill also specifies that except as otherwise
required by law, a jury in a county court at law in Orange County is
composed of six members. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003.