LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

February 25, 2013

TO:	Honorable Tryon D. Lewis, Chair, House Committee On Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM:	Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB62 by Guillen (Relating to a justice or judge having a substantial interest in a business entity that owns, manages, or operates a private correctional or rehabilitation facility.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Government Code relating to a justice or judge having a substantial interest in a business entity that owns, manages, or operates a private correctional or rehabilitation facility. The bill prohibits a justice or judge in state or county courts, but not municipal or justice courts, from having a substantial interest in a business entity that owns, manages or operates facilities which provide services to a person convicted of a misdemeanor, felony, or delinquent conduct. Judges who violate the provisions of the bill would be removed from office. Removal of judges is done primarily through the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, and removal of a judge for this or other reasons is rare. No significant fiscal impact to the state is anticipated.

The bill would take effect January 1, 2014.

Local Government Impact

While removal of a county judge by civil or criminal trial may impact local government resources, judicial  removal for this or any other reason would be rare, so no significant fiscal impact to local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council

LBB Staff:

UP, CL, JP, KKR