BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1897

By: Flynn

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent changes in the law governing the Van Zandt County Court at Law have created confusion and do not reflect the historical practices of the court.  H.B. 1897 responds to local priorities relating to the jurisdiction of, number of jurors in, and the clerk serving the County Court at Law of 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. 1897 amends the Government Code to establish that a county court at law in Van Zandt County has concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in guardianship matters. The bill provides that the district clerk serves as clerk of a county court at law in family court matters and proceedings, rather than in matters of concurrent jurisdiction with the district court. The bill requires the jury to be composed of six members if a jury trial is requested in a case that is in a county court at law's jurisdiction, unless the constitution requires a 12-member jury.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2011.