LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
May 17, 2005

TO:
Honorable Jeff Wentworth, Chair, Senate Committee on Jurisprudence
 
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB3570 by Martinez (Relating to the creation of an additional county court at law in Hidalgo County.), As Engrossed

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Chapter 25 of the Government Code to create a fifth county court at law in Hidalgo County, which shall give preference to family law cases and proceedings.  The court would be created on the effective date of this bill, September 1, 2005.

Local Government Impact

According to the Hidalgo County Budget Officer, the county would be responsible for the annual salary and benefits of the court's judge and support staff ($390,416).  In addition to the annual operating costs for a county court ($24,584), Hidalgo County expects a one-time capital expenditure to renovate the court room ($500,000).  Since Hidalgo County's fiscal year begins on January 1, the county would incur a cost of $638,333 for fiscal year 2005, thereafter the cost would be $415,000 annually.  It is assumed that the improved case load management brought about by the creation of a new county court could result in higher revenues.



Source Agencies:
304 Comptroller of Public Accounts
LBB Staff:
JOB, LB, ZS, ER