Honorable Will Hartnett, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3547 by Brown, Betty (Relating to the creation of an additional county court at law in Kaufman County.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Chapter 25 of the Government Code to create an additional County Court at Law in Kaufman County. Additionally, the bill would amend section 152.1351 (a) of the Human Resources Code to make the new additional judge a member of the Kaufman County Juvenile Board. The court would be created on the effective date of this bill, October 1, 2005.
Local Government Impact
According to the Kaufman County Auditor, the estimated annual cost for the proposed court is $316,353. Because the new court would be located in the existing courthouse facility, no capital outlay expenses are expected. For fiscal year 2005 the proposed court would be in start-up mode and would generate no additional revenue to offset the cost of the additional county court. In the future, it is assumed that the improved caseload management brought about by the creation of a new county court could result in higher revenues.