BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                           H.B. 3557

                                                                                                                                           By: Talton

                                                                                                                                              Judiciary

                                                                                                       Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

House bill 3557 sets out an additional exception for Harris County Probate Court Number Three to appoint an associate probate judge.  Currently, Harris County Probate Court Number One 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 Three to appoint an associate judge so that estate/guardianship dockets and the mental health docket may be served with greater judicial efficiency.

 

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

 

House bill 3557 amends Section 54.602, Government Code to allow Harris County Probate Court Number Three to appoint an associate judge.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2005