LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

February 24, 2003

TO:	Honorable Will Hartnett, Chair, House Committee on Judicial Affairs
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HJR13 by Wolens (Proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting judicial candidates from accepting political contributions except during the year preceding and the six months following an election and changing the terms of office of certain justices and judges.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated, other than the cost of publication.

The cost to the state for publication of the resolution is $85,275.

The joint resolution would amend Article V of the Texas Constitution to limit the time period during which judicial candidates may accept political contributions.  The joint resolution would increase the terms of office for justices and judges of the sixteen appellate courts from six years to eight years.  The joint resolution would increase the terms of office for judges of the district courts, county courts at law, and statutory county courts from four years to six years.  The constitutional amendment would take effect on January 1, 2004 if approved by the voters on November 4, 2003.  

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:	211 Court Of Criminal Appeals, 212 Office Of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 242 State Commission On Judicial Conduct, 307 Secretary Of State, 356 Texas Ethics Commission
LBB Staff:	JK, GO, VDS, TB