AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Under current law, the 197th District Court has jurisdiction in both Cameron County and Willacy County.  Over the past several years the criminal felony cases filed in Willacy County have increased significantly resulting in maximum capacity of the county jail.

 

S.B. 1807 allows the 444th District Court of Cameron County to have concurrent jurisdiction in Willacy County and further authorizes the court to hear cases not limited to family law matters while sitting in Willacy County.  The presence of a second court will facilitate an ability to adjudicate additional cases.

 

As proposed, S.B. 1807 amends current law relating to the 444th Judicial District.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 24.60, Government Code, as follows:

 

Sec. 24.60.  New heading: 444th JUDICIAL DISTRICT (CAMERON COUNTY AND WILLACY COUNTY).  (a)  Creates this subsection from existing text.  Provides that the 444th Judicial District is composed of Cameron County and Willacy County.

 

(b)  Provides that, notwithstanding Section 24.601 (Jurisdiction), the 444th Judicial District shall not be limited to cases involving family law matters when sitting in Willacy County.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2011.