BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2174
85R8840 YDB-F	By: Hughes
	State Affairs
	4/20/2017
	As Filed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

S.B. 2174 would create a provision in state law to allow Bowie County district courts and the county court-at-law to appoint court bailiffs, a provision other counties around the state have already been granted. With this bill, Bowie County will be able to appoint court bailiffs to aid in proper management of the county courts. S.B. 2174 will amend Sections 53.001, 53.007, and 53.0071, Government Code, and includes the 5th, 102nd, and 202nd district courts and the Bowie County Court-at-Law.

 

As proposed, S.B. 2174 amends current law relating to the appointment of a bailiff by district courts and county courts at law in Bowie County.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Section 53.001, Government Code, by adding Subsection (k), 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.

 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 53.007(a), Government Code, to provide that this section applies to the 5th, 102nd, and 202nd district courts and the county courts at law of Bowie County.

 

SECTION 3. Amends Section 53.0071, Government Code, as follows:

 

Sec. 53.0071. BAILIFF AS A PEACE OFFICER. Provides that unless the appointing judge provides otherwise in the order of appointment, a bailiff appointed under certain sections, including Section 53.001(k) is a "peace officer" for purposes of Article 2.12 (Who Are Peace Officers), Code of Criminal Procedure.

 

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2017.