BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 670

79R1185 RMB-F                                                                                                              By: Seliger

Intergovernmental Relations

3/15/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Under current law, municipal judges in the City of Amarillo are required to maintain residence in the city and are prohibited from having a private practice while in office.  This limits the ability to hire part-time judges to assist with crowded municipal court dockets.  As proposed, S.B. 670 lifts residency and employment restrictions for judges who work less than 40 hours per week.

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 30.00934(a), Government Code, to provide that the restrictions on the residency of and private practice by a municipal judge do not apply to a judge employed to work less than 40 hours per week.

SECTION 2.  Provides that this Act applies to a municipal judge serving in office or employed on or after the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2005.