BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                     H.B. 3557

79R5563 QS-F                                                                                                     By: Talton (Harris)

                                                                                                                                      Jurisprudence

                                                                                                                                            5/20/2005

                                                                                                                                           Engrossed

 

 

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

H.B. 3557 sets out an additional exception for Harris County Probate Court Number 3 to appoint an associate probate judge.  Currently, Harris County Probate Court Number 1 has appointed an associate judge under Section 54.602, Government Code.  Probate Court Number Three has the primary mental health jurisdiction for Harris County.  This bill would allow Probate Court Number 3 to appoint an associate judge so that estate/guardianship dockets and the mental health docket may be served with greater judicial efficiency.

 

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 54.602, Government Code, to include that this subchapter (Statutory Probate Court Associate Judges) does not apply to the statutory probate courts of Harris County, except Probate Courts Numbers 1 and 3.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2005.