BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2989

By: Bell, Keith

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been reported that a distinction between the statutory county courts in Kaufman County with regard to the maximum amount in controversy in civil actions that is within each court's jurisdiction has resulted in an uneven distribution of cases and created an obstacle to the efficient operation of those courts. H.B. 2989 seeks to provide for a more balanced distribution of case assignments by repealing the limitation that created the distinction.

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. 2989 repeals Section 25.1312(b-1), Government Code, which explicitly limits the jurisdiction of civil cases of the County Court at Law No. 2 of Kaufman County to cases in which the amount in controversy does not exceed $200,000, subject to certain exclusions. The bill amends the Government Code to make a conforming change.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.