Honorable Harold V. Dutton, Jr., Chair, House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Issues
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB4009 by Raymond (Relating to the appointment of associate judges for child protection cases.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Family Code, regarding the appointment of associate judges for child protection cases. The bill would authorize district court judges having family law jurisdiction and a child protection caseload to recommend the appointment of an associate judge, along with the length of the appointment, and the procedures for appointing, evaluating, and terminating the associate judge. The district court judge would be required to submit to the presiding judge the associate judge's evaluation, results, and recommendations for reappointment or termination of the associate judge every two years.
In addition, the bill would require OCA to submit an annual report on the associate judges to the presiding judges, including information on compliance with job performance standards, training and resource requirements, and the process for receiving and resolving any complaints about associate judges. Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council