HBA-BSM H.B. 2167 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2167
By: Keel
Judicial Affairs
4/10/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Travis County Court at Law No. 4 was established in 1999 as a special court
to handle misdemeanor family violence criminal cases and protective orders.
In the same year, the penalty for a second family violence assault was
increased to a felony of the third degree.  Consequently, cases that would
otherwise have been handled in County Court at Law Number 4 of Travis
County were randomly assigned to criminal district courts in Travis County.
In addition, County Court at Law Number 4 of Travis County issues
protective orders.  A primary concept of the domestic violence court is for
the same court to hear any alleged criminal violations of protective orders
that it has granted.  Currently, County Court at Law Number 4 of  Travis
County hears all violations of protective orders except those violated by
assault or stalking, which is also a felony of the third degree.  House
Bill 2167 grants County Court at Law Number 4 of Travis County concurrent
jurisdiction for family violence related felonies of the third degree.   

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. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 2167 amends the Government Code to provide that the County Court
at Law Number 4 of Travis County has concurrent jurisdiction with the
district court in state jail felony cases and third degree felony cases
involving family violence. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.