H.B. 3603 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 3603
By: Smith, Todd
Judicial Affairs
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 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
their 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 wishes 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 on its own method of selecting its municipal judges. 

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

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 30, Government Code by adding Subchapter XX.
Bedford as follows: 
 
 Sec. 30.01881. Application.  This subchapter applies to the City of
Bedford.   

Sec. 30.01882. Judge.  The governing body of the city may 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.  A
municipal judge serves a three year term. 

SECTION 2.  States that this Act takes effect immediately or on September
1, 2003 if it doesn't receive the necessary vote. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

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