LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 26, 2009

TO:	Honorable Todd Hunter, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HJR138 by Villarreal (Proposing a constitutional amendment for filling vacancies in the offices of justices of the supreme court, judges of the court of criminal appeals, and district judges by appointment.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated, other than the cost of publication.

The cost to the state for publication of the resolution is $90,882.

The resolution would amend the constitution to require justices on the Supreme Court and judges on the Court of Criminal Appeals to be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate and the House.  The constitutional amendment would also provide for the appointment of district judges by the Governor, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate and the House.  No significant fiscal impact to the court system is anticipated from these changes, and the resolution requires the amendment to be submitted to voters at an election to be held on November 3, 2009.          

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 307 Secretary of State

LBB Staff:

JOB, MN, TB