BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 388

                                                                                                                                 By: Smith, Todd

Judiciary

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Tarrant County courts are served by bailiffs appointed by the judges and those hired by the Sheriff.  Sheriff department employees have no residency requirements. The purpose of the bill is to remove existing residency requirements for bailiffs appointed by 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

This bill amends the residency requirement of section 53.004 (b) of the Government Code by striking the reference to bailiffs and grand jury bailiffs serving Tarrant County district courts giving preference to criminal cases.

EFFECTIVE DATE

Upon passage, or September 1, 2005 if the necessary vote not received.