BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                    C.S.H.B. 1628

                                                                                                                                         By: Chavez

                                                                                                                                              Judiciary

                                                                                                        Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau citing the American Community Survey, the population if El Paso County in 2005 stood at 708,319, up from 679,622 in the 2000 census and 591,610 in the 1990 census. This nearly 20% increase in population necessitates the creation of a new criminal district in El Paso County.

 

The purpose of the bill is to create a new criminal judicial district in El Paso County. The new court shall give preference to felony drug cases and associated civil cases emanating from the drug cases. Secondary preference shall be given to other criminal cases.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

 

ANALYSIS

 

The bill would add a new section to the Government Code creating the Criminal Judicial District No. 1 of El Paso County.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2007.

 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

 

The only change in the substitute is the addition of  "No. 1" to the title of the El Paso Criminal Judicial District.