HBA-RBT H.B. 1222 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1222
By: Krusee
Judicial Affairs
2/26/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Williamson County has three district courts.  No new courts have
been added to the county since 1991.  Since that time, Williamson County
has experienced explosive growth, increasing more than 50 percent in
population.  Recent population estimates by the Austin Transportation Study
(ATS) predict Williamson County's population will increase nearly 400
percent in the next twenty-five years.  Already, the three existing
district courts are backlogged to the point that additional courts are
needed to relieve the crowded dockets.  Since the last district court was
created, the number of cases filed has increased nearly 40 percent and
dispositions have increased nearly 50 percent.  H.B. 1222 creates an
additional district court in Williamson County. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government Code, by adding
Section 24.558, as follows: 

Sec.  24.558.  413TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (WILLIAMSON COUNTY).  Creates the
413th Judicial District, which is composed of Williamson County. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.