Texas House Bill HB302

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/19/08

Caption

Relating to preferences and designations of certain district courts in Harris County.

Impact

The enactment of HB302 will effectively redesignate multiple family district courts in Harris County as general district courts while maintaining their focus on family law. This transition is intended to enhance the efficiency of case management and prioritization, allowing courts to manage family law cases more effectively. The bill also outlines the roles of bailiffs in the judicial process, reaffirming their importance within the court system to assist judges in their responsibilities. As a result, the family law court's emphasis remains intact, while updating the legal language and structure in the Government Code.

Summary

House Bill 302 focuses on the judicial structure within Harris County, specifically addressing the preferences and designations of certain district courts. The bill proposes amendments to several sections of the Government Code, which outlines the configuration and operational protocols of the district courts, ensuring that the identified courts give preference to family law matters. This aims to streamline judicial proceedings related to family law by establishing clear priorities within the court system for the population of Harris County.

Contention

While the bill appears to be a procedural update, it could potentially raise questions regarding the allocation of resources and focus areas within the district court system. The main contention may arise from how these changes affect case backlogs in family law cases, especially if the restructured courts struggle to manage both family and other civil matters effectively. Concerns regarding the separation of family law cases could be a significant point of discussion among lawmakers, with advocates calling for clarity on how prioritization will function in practice.