SRC-JLB S.B. 1206 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1206
78R6197 YDB-DBy: Lindsay
Jurisprudence
3/24/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Harris County civil courts at law have exclusive jurisdiction
in eminent domain proceedings. Some believe that Harris County district
court judges can effectively handle eminent domain proceedings, in
addition to their current duties.  As proposed, S.B. 1206 provides for
concurrent jurisdiction between the district courts and county civil
courts at law in Harris County in eminent domain proceedings. 

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 Section 25.1032(c), Government Code, to provide that a
county civil court at law in Harris County has concurrent, rather than
exclusive, jurisdiction with the district court of eminent domain
proceedings, both statutory and inverse, regardless of the amount in
controversy.  Authorizes a party initiating a condemnation proceeding in
Harris County to file a petition with any clerk authorized to accept the
petition for the district courts.  

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.