BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 968

                                                                                                                                              By: Keel

Judiciary

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The last district court was added in Travis County in December 2000.  Despite the addition, the continuing growth of the criminal case workload is driving the need for an additional court. In FY 2004, the number of cases added per Travis County felony court was 2,203.  This was the highest among the top 5 urban counties, followed by Harris County with 1,962 cases added per felony court. To address the increasing caseload, H.B. 968 creates an additional criminal district court in Travis County.

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. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government Code, by adding Section 24.571, to create the 427th Judicial District (district) composed of Travis County. The district shall give preference to criminal matters.

SECTION 2. Creates the district on January 1, 2007.

SECTION 3. Effective date:  September 1, 2005.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2005.