Senate Committee on Jurisprudence - 78th R.S. (2003)
Committee Members
- Robert Duncan, Chair
- Jeff Wentworth, Chair
- Mario Gallegos, Vice Chair
- Kip Averitt
- Teel Bivins
- Chris Harris
- Eddie Lucio, Jr.
- Todd Staples
- Royce West
Charges
- Study the jurisdiction of all local and state courts, including civil and criminal justice courts. Make recommendations for changes to any court's jurisdiction to improve the efficiency or effectiveness of the judicial system. Review and make recommendations relating to concurrent jurisdiction of county courts at law and district courts over eminent domain proceedings.
- Study judicial salaries, supplements, retirement, and benefit issues for sitting, visiting and retired judges.
- Study arbitration statutes, and the role of the American Arbitration Association. Specifically, the Committee shall make recommendations to improve and ensure the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness of arbitrators and arbitrations.
- Study insanity defense laws, specifically evaluating the impact of changing the defense of "not guilty by reason of insanity" to "guilty, but insane."
Notes
Teel Bivins resigned seat on committee; Todd Staples appointed 6/27/2003.
Robert Duncan left his position as Chair of the Jursiprudence Committee to accept a position as Chair of the State Affairs Committee. (Press Release, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, January 21, 2004.)
Charged by the Lieutenant Governor 1/21/2004. (Press Release, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, January 21, 2004.)
Jeff Wentworth appointed Chair 01/21/04. (Press Release, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, January 21, 2004.)
Todd Staples removed April 19, 2004. (Press release, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, April 19, 2004.)
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