BILL ANALYSIS
By: Zedler
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
For greater efficiency, the legislature has allowed some municipalities to use magistrates to serve in municipal courts of record. The purpose of the bill is to give Kennedale the same ability.
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 adds Section 30.001845 to Subchapter E of the Government Code allowing Kennedale to appoint magistrates to serve the municipal court of record in specific capacities identical to those granted to other municipalities. These include arraignments, indigence hearings, pleas, bond settings and other functions under Article 15.17 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Immediately upon required vote, otherwise September 1, 2005.