BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3061

By: Allison

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised regarding the selection of judges by popular election and the implications of this method on the impartiality, independence, and stability of the justice system. H.B. 3061 seeks to address these concerns by establishing the Texas Interim Commission on Judicial Selection to review the issue and report its findings and any recommendations. 

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. 3061 establishes the Texas Interim Commission on Judicial Selection to study and review the method by which statutory county court judges, probate court judges, district judges, justices of the courts of appeal, justices of the court of criminal appeals, and justices of the Texas Supreme Court are selected for office in Texas. The bill sets out certain factors the commission must consider and sets out provisions relating to the composition and administration of the 13‑member commission. The bill requires the commission, not later than January 11, 2021, to report to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives the commission's findings and recommendations, including specific constitutional and statutory changes that appear necessary from the results of the commission's study. The bill's provisions expire and the commission is abolished January 18, 2021.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.