BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                    C.S.H.B. 1153

                                                                                                                                       By: Gonzales

                                                                                                                                              Judiciary

                                                                                                        Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2000, the population of Hidalgo County was 569,463 and increasing.  By 2006, the population of Hidalgo County will be over 700,000.  Due to the population increase, filings of criminal and civil cases have increased by 36% from 2000 to 2004.  New case filings and population growth have made it necessary for local judges to demand a new district court.

 

As proposed, HB 1153 would create an additional judicial district court in Hidalgo 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

 

The bill creates the 418th Judicial District composed of Hidalgo County.  The district is to be created effective January 1, 2007. The initial vacancy on the court will be filled by the governor's appointment.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2006

 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

 

The substitute changes the start date of the new court from September 1, 2005 to January 1, 2007 and changes the effective date of the Act from September 1, 2005 to September 1, 2006.  The substitute also contains an express provision for an initial appointment to the court.