S.B. 828 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


S.B. 828
By: Whitmire
Judicial Affairs
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Harris County is experiencing a perceived high turnover of
district judges, which is believed to be a result of inadequate
compensation.  S.B. 828 allows Harris County to increase the supplemental
salary paid to district 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.  Effective September 1, 2003, Section 32.101(a), Government
Code, is amended to authorize the commissioners court of Harris County,
notwithstanding Section 659.012, to budget for and pay the judges of the
district courts having jurisdiction in that county an annual salary in an
amount set by the commissioners court for judicial and administrative
services.  

SECTION 2.  Effective September 1, 2007, Section 32.101(a), Government
Code, is reenacted to require the commissioners court of Harris County to
budget for and pay the judges of the district courts having jurisdiction
in that county an annual salary of not less than $12,000 nor more than
$25,000 for judicial and administrative services. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003.