Honorable John T. Smithee, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1016 by Creighton (Relating to the appointment and duties of court investigators for certain courts in guardianship proceedings.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Estates Code to authorize a county court exercising its probate jurisdiction or a statutory county court authorized to exercise original probate jurisdiction to appoint a court investigator in certain guardianship proceedings if the appointment is authorized by the commissioners court. The bill would also allow a commissioner's court to authorize additional court investigators, if necessary, and to set the salary for any court investigator. 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
According to the Office of Court Administration, although the bill would allow for the appointment of investigators by more judges in each county, the appointment of more than one by a court would require approval from the county commissioners. Additionally, the salary would also be set by the county commissioners. OCA reports no significant fiscal impact on local courts is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council