BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1145

By: Muñoz, Jr.

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerned parties argue that the designation of a district court in Hidalgo County that gives preference to family law matters is needed to better address the needs of families and to increase efficiency. H.B. 1145 seeks to provide for that designation. 

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. 1145 amends the Government Code to require the judges of the 92nd, 93rd, 139th, 206th, 275th, 332nd, 370th, 389th, 398th, 430th, and 449th district courts by agreement to designate, not later than October 2, 2017, one of those district courts to give preference to family law matters. If the judges fail to designate a court on or before that date, the local administrative judge for Hidalgo County district courts is required to designate a district court to give preference to family law matters not later than October 6, 2017.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.