BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3892

By: Vaught

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, a retired judge who presides over certain multidistrict litigation cases does not receive the same compensation of $125,000 that a state district court judge receives. 

Additionally, the judge does not receive full benefits. There are only two judges in the state that preside over these multidistrict litigation cases and they deserve to be compensated fairly and at the same rate as a sitting district court judge.

H.B. 3892 entitles a retired judge who is appointed to an asbestos and silica claims multidistrict litigation pretrial court to all compensation and benefits of a sitting district court judge.

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. 3892 amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to entitle a retired judge who is appointed to an asbestos and silica claims multidistrict litigation pretrial court to all compensation and benefits of a sitting district court judge.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the act does not receive the necessary vote, the act takes effect September 1, 2009.