BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 980

                                                                                                                                            By: Janek

Jurisprudence

3/31/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Fort Bend County has seen tremendous growth since its last district court was created.  The county's current population is estimated at 450,000, and  five courts serve this population.  This gives Fort Bend County one of the highest populations per court in the state.  Counties with similar populations have anywhere from six to eight courts to handle the caseload.  As proposed, S.B. 980  creates a sixth district court in Fort Bend County to alleviate an overcrowded docket and unmanageable case load.

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 Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government Code, by adding Section 24.542, as follows:

Sec.  24.542.  397TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (FORT BEND COUNTY).  Sets forth that the 397th Judicial District is composed of Fort Bend County.

SECTION 2.  Sets forth that the 397th Judicial District is created on the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2005.