79R1363 RMB-F

By:  Gallegos                                                     S.B. No. 435



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the education requirements for a justice of the peace.            
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 27.005(a), Government Code, is amended 
to read as follows:
	(a)  For purposes of removal under Chapter 87, Local 
Government Code, "incompetency" in the case of a justice of the 
peace includes the failure of the justice to successfully complete:
		(1)  within one year after the date the justice is first 
elected or appointed, an 80-hour course in the performance of the 
justice's duties; and
		(2)  each following year, a 20-hour course in the 
performance of the justice's duties.
	SECTION 2.  The change in law made by this Act to Section 
27.005(a)(1), Government Code, applies only to a justice of the 
peace appointed on or after the effective date of this Act.  The 
change in law made by this Act to Section 27.005(a)(2), Government 
Code, applies to a justice of the peace appointed or elected to or 
serving in the office of justice of the peace on or after the 
effective date of this Act.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.