BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3321

By: Frank

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties contend that the judicial process through which protective orders are handled in Baylor, Cottle, King, and Knox Counties is not conducive to the safety and well-being of those seeking such an order, as they sometimes face bureaucratic delay in obtaining the order.
H.B. 3321 seeks to streamline the process for obtaining a protective order in these counties by granting the county courts of these counties jurisdiction over cases and proceedings involving protective orders. 

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. 3321 amends the Government Code to grant the county courts of Baylor, Cottle, King, and Knox Counties jurisdiction over cases and proceedings involving protective orders.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.