HBA-JEK S.B. 1810 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 1810
By: Sibley
Judicial Affairs
5/10/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Hood
County, Texas has increased from 6,368 in 1970 to 38,750 in 1999.  Although
the judicial caseload has increased with the population, Hood County
continues to lack a court at law.  Senate Bill 1810 establishes the County
Court at Law No. 1 of Hood 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. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 1810 amends the Government Code to establish the County Court
at Law No. 1 of Hood County.  The bill provides that a county court at law
in Hood County has concurrent jurisdiction with the county court in mental
health cases and concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in family
law cases and proceedings, contested probate matters, and civil cases in
which the matter in controversy exceeds $500 but does not exceed $250,000.
The county court, each county court at law, and the district court in Hood
County have jurisdiction over juvenile matters, with the county court
having primary jurisdiction over such matters.  A county court at law in
Hood County does not have probate jurisdiction unless a probate matter is
contested. 

S.B. 1810 sets forth the qualifications of the judge of a county court at
law in Hood County and prohibits a judge from engaging in the private
practice of law.  The bill requires a judge to be paid an annual salary
that is not less than 90 percent of the annual salary of a district judge
in the county.  The bill sets forth provisions regarding the appointment of
a special judge if the regular judge is absent.  The bill authorizes a
judge to appoint necessary personnel, and authorizes the commissioners
court to employ assistant county attorneys and bailiffs and to set the
court reporter's compensation.  The bill sets forth provisions regarding
the composition of the jury in a family law case or proceeding and the
drawing, selection, and service of jurors. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.