BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1923

By: Naishtat

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties point out that civil or family lawsuits that are pending in a district court, statutory probate court, or statutory county court can be referred by the presiding judge to a special judge but note that retired statutory probate court judges were overlooked when the state was considering solutions to overcrowded civil dockets. These parties suggest that authorizing a retired statutory probate court judge to serve as a special judge would help lessen the burden on the dockets. H.B. 1923 seeks to provide for this authorization. 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 1923 amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to include a retired or former statutory probate court judge among the judges qualified to serve as a special judge.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.