BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                     H.B. 1554

80R4650 KFF-D                                                                                           By: Chavez (Shapleigh)

Jurisprudence

4/23/2007

Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

In 2001, over 13,000 civil cases were left pending in El Paso County; this number has since increased to 17,000 cases left pending in 2006.  Additionally, civil cases in El Paso County are expected to rise faster than an already high projected population growth rate.  Lastly, El Paso expects to gain more than 20,000 soldiers and more than 65,000 military dependents due to base realignment and closure, which will result in additional civil cases.  These factors, when taken into consideration with the relatively low rate of clearance of civil cases, create a situation where an additional district court in El Paso County may be necessary

H.B. 1554 creates the 448th Judicial District in El Paso County. 

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 24.592, as follows:

Sec. 24.592.  448TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (EL PASO COUNTY).  Provides that the 448th Judicial District is composed of El Paso County. 

SECTION 2.  Creates the 448th Judicial District on the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2007.