BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1581

By: Flynn

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

As of November 2008, the 294th Judicial Court , which serves Van Zandt County, had over 600 criminal cases and nearly 3,000 civil cases pending.  Due to rapid growth in court caseload, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court has requested the creation of the 474th Judicial District, composed of Van Zandt County. 

H.B. 1581 creates the 474th Judicial District in Van Zandt County.

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

H.B. 1581 amends the Government Code to create the 474th Judicial District in Van Zandt County effective on the effective date of the bill. The bill requires the initial vacancy in the office of the judge of the 474th Judicial District to be filled by election. The bill establishes that the office exists for purposes of the primary and general elections in 2010 and that a vacancy after the initial vacancy is filled as provided by the Texas Constitution's provision requiring the vacancy to be filled by the governor until the next succeeding general election for state officers.

EFFECTIVE DATE

October 1, 2010.