TO: | Honorable Jeff Wentworth, Chair, Senate Committee on Jurisprudence |
FROM: | John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
IN RE: | SB1951 by Wentworth (Relating to the creation of district courts in certain counties.), As Introduced |
Fiscal Year | Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds |
---|---|
2008 | ($499,086) |
2009 | ($568,728) |
2010 | ($568,728) |
2011 | ($568,728) |
2012 | ($568,728) |
Fiscal Year | Probable Revenue Gain/(Loss) from GENERAL REVENUE FUND 1 |
Probable Revenue Gain/(Loss) from JUDICIAL FUND 573 |
Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2007 |
---|---|---|---|
2008 | ($499,086) | ($225,000) | 5.0 |
2009 | ($568,728) | ($225,000) | 6.0 |
2010 | ($568,728) | ($225,000) | 6.0 |
2011 | ($568,728) | ($225,000) | 6.0 |
2012 | ($568,728) | ($225,000) | 6.0 |
The annual salary provided by the state for a district judge is $125,000, in addition to benefits (state contributions for group insurance and to the Judicial Retirement System) which are estimated to be $33,223 annually. The total annual salary and benefits cost for a district judge is estimated to be $158,223. The state would also pay an annual salary supplement of $5,000 to the local administrative district judge for Montgomery County because the county would be served by more than five judicial districts if the bill is enacted.
The bill would also require the state to pay salaries and expenses for a court reporter and court coordinator for the 435th Judicial District. According to
Montgomery County reports that no additional courtroom cost would be required to start the 435th Judicial District. There would be no need for a bailiff because the prisoners are brought to the court with two armed guards. It is uncertain whether a jury shepherd would be required.
According to information provided by
The 445th Judicial District would cost the county $393,395 annually in operating expenses, including salaries and benefits for court personnel. The county would not incur start-up costs because it would not need to build new facilities to accommodate the new district court. Office space currently exists in the Sheriff's Department, and county maintenance staff would retrofit the facility within current budget authority. Surplus computers and office equipment would be used for the new district court. By locating the new district court at the Sheriff's Department near the jail facility, the county could save on transportation costs; however, the savings from reduced transportation costs and other incidental expenses would be minimal.
Source Agencies: | 212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts
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LBB Staff: | JOB, MN, ZS, JP, KJG
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