BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 2174

By: Hughes

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties suggest that judges of certain courts in certain counties are in need of aid in the proper management of their courts. S.B. 2174 seeks to address this issue by providing for the appointment of a bailiff by district courts and county courts at law in Bowie County.

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

S.B. 2174 amends the Government Code to require the judges of the 5th, 102nd, and 202nd district courts and the judges of the county courts at law of Bowie County to appoint one or more bailiffs to serve the courts in Bowie County. The bill classifies such a bailiff as a peace officer unless the appointing judge provides otherwise in the order of appointment. The bill makes statutory provisions relating to deputizing bailiffs applicable to those courts.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.