HBA-KMH S.B. 952 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 952
By: Luna
Judicial Affairs
4-7-1999
Engrossed


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, a district judge may send a criminal case to the magistrate by
written order only. Authorizing a judge to read the referral into the
minutes of the court might expedite the process of referring cases. 

S.B. 952 authorizes a judge to issue a written order of referral or to read
the order of referral into the minutes of the court. 

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 Section 54.907(a), Government Code, to authorize a judge
to issue a written order of referral or to read the order of referral into
the minutes of the court. 

SECTION 2.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.