BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2559
88R8217 JTZ-D	By: Vasut (Zaffirini)
	Jurisprudence
	5/1/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Texas law allows current and retired municipal court judges and judges of courts of records to administer oaths. While current justices of the peace also may administer oaths, retired justices of the peace may not. H.B. 2559 would ensure that retired justices of the peace are treated the same as other retired judges by permitting them to administer oaths, accordingly enhancing consistency in the judicial system.

H.B. 2559 amends current law relating to the persons authorized to administer an oath in this state.

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 602.002, Government Code, as follows:

Sec. 602.002. OATH MADE IN TEXAS. Authorizes an oath made in this state to be administered and a certificate of the fact given by certain persons, including a retired justice of the peace.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.