SRC-JLB H.B. 3603 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3603
78R9109 SLO-DBy: Smith, Todd (Brimer)
Jurisprudence
5/13/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Prior to 1999, all municipalities in Texas were allowed to call elections
to allow voters to determine whether a municipality would elect or appoint
the voter's municipal judges.  The 76th Legislature passed a bill that
required municipal judges to be appointed by a city's governing body.  The
City of Bedford wished to have the authority to choose which method to use
in selecting its municipal judges.  H.B.  3603 exempts the City of Bedford
from the legislation passed during the 76th Legislature and allows the
city to choose its method of selecting municipal judges. 

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 Chapter 30, Government Code, by adding Subchapter XX,
as follows: 

SUBCHAPTER XX.  BEDFORD

Sec. 30.01881.  APPLICATION.  Provides that this subchapter applies to the
City of Bedford. 
 
Sec. 30.01882.  JUDGE.  Authorizes the governing body of the city to
determine by ordinance whether a municipal judge is appointed by the
governing body or elected by the qualified voters of the city by a
majority vote.  Provides that a municipal judge serves for a term of three
years. 
 
SECTION 2.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2003.