BILL ANALYSIS
By: Oliveira
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
This proposed bill would create the position of criminal law hearing officer in Cameron County. This officer or officers would be appointed by a board composed of district and county judges in the area and would have the same authority as justices of the peace. If created, this position would make the processing of inmates more efficient. Along with this, the appointment of a criminal law hearing officer would help to free up jail space taken by non-paying county and state inmates in order to make some much needed room for federal inmates. Because a county is reimbursed for housing federal inmates, Cameron County would see huge savings due to the freed space for those inmates
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 a new subchapter under Chapter 54 of the Government Code to establish jurisdiction and rules pertaining to criminal law hearing officers in Cameron County. The bill also adds such officers to the definition of magistrate in Article 2.09 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2005