BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                       H.B. 596

79R1185 RMB-F                                                                                              By: Smithee (Seliger)

                                                                                                               Intergovernmental Relations

                                                                                                                                            4/25/2005

                                                                                                                                           Engrossed

 

 

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Under current law, municipal judges in the City of Amarillo are required to maintain residence in the city and are prohibited from having a private practice while in office.  This limits the ability to hire part-time judges to assist with a crowded docket.  H.B. 596 will lift those restrictions for judges who work less than 40 hours per week.

 

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 30.00934(a), Government Code, to provide that the restrictions on the residency of and private practice by a municipal judge do not apply to a judge employed to work less than 40 hours per week.

 

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

 

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2005.