Texas House Bill HB3022

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/2/11
• Introduced: 3/10/11
• Refer: 3/17/11
• Report Pass: 4/20/11

Caption

Relating to the appointment of a bailiff for the 196th District Court.

Impact

This bill will have a notable impact on the judicial system in Texas, particularly concerning the 196th District Court. By allowing this court to appoint a bailiff, the bill can enhance the courtroom's functionality and efficiency. Additionally, it standardizes the compensation model for bailiffs across all specified district courts, which could promote uniformity in how courts operate and manage their resources. This legislative change could also alleviate some of the burdens on court staff by delegating specific responsibilities to appointed bailiffs.

Summary

House Bill 3022 modifies the Government Code related to the appointment and compensation of bailiffs for certain district courts in Texas. Specifically, it adds the 196th District Court to the list of courts that may appoint a bailiff, thus expanding the judicial authority regarding court administration. As part of the legislative changes, the bill outlines the process by which judges can set the compensation for these bailiffs, ensuring that payments do not exceed the salary of the county's chief deputy sheriff. The changes aim to provide consistent appointments and compensation across various district courts in the state.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the funding and budget implications of this bill, particularly concerning how counties may adjust their financial plans to accommodate the salaries of newly appointed bailiffs. Some legislators might raise concerns about the potential increased financial burden on local governments and whether the appropriations for these positions are adequately addressed. Critics of expanding such appointments might argue that resources could be better allocated to other areas of the judicial system to enhance overall effectiveness.