HBA-BSM S.B. 797 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 797
By: Wentworth
Judicial Affairs
4/3/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

There has been an increase in the population of Guadalupe County since the
original county court at law was established.  Additionally, the
jurisdiction of the court was expanded in 1997 to include family law cases
and juvenile matters.  This has led to an increased demand on the court.
Creating a second county court at law will help relieve the overcrowded
conditions in the existing court.  Senate Bill 797 establishes a second
county court at law with identical powers and duties as the current county
court at law in Guadalupe 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 797 amends the Government Code to create the County Court at
Law No. 2 of Guadalupe County.  The bill provides that the court will be
created on January 1, 2003, or on an earlier date determined by the
commissioners court by an order entered in its minutes.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001.