TX
Texas House Bill HB734

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB734

Filed
 
Introduced
1/19/11  
Out of House Committee
3/9/11  
Voted on by House
4/8/11  
Refer
2/22/11  
Out of Senate Committee
5/5/11  
Report Pass
3/8/11  
Voted on by Senate
5/12/11  
Engrossed
4/8/11  
Governor Action
5/28/11  
Refer
4/20/11  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Report Pass
5/5/11  
Enrolled
5/12/11  
Enrolled
5/12/11  
Passed
5/28/11  

Caption

Relating to the jurisdiction of constitutional county courts over truancy cases and the appointment of magistrates to hear truancy cases in certain counties.

Impact

This bill's amendments to the Texas Education Code and Government Code signify a structural change in how truancy cases are managed, particularly in densely populated areas. It specifies that educational attendance officers can file truancy complaints in county, justice, or municipal courts, thereby clarifying and potentially expediting the process. By defining jurisdiction in this manner, the bill seeks to ensure that these matters are dealt with efficiently, reducing backlog and promoting better attendance among students.

Summary

House Bill 734 addresses the jurisdiction of constitutional county courts over truancy cases and outlines the appointment of magistrates to handle these cases in specific counties. The primary amendment permits county courts in counties with populations of 1.75 million or more to have original jurisdiction over truancy-related offenses. It aims to streamline the handling of such cases, especially in larger counties where truancy issues may require more focused judicial management.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 734 center on the potential ramifications for families involved in truancy cases. There are concerns that the changes may lead to increased legal actions against parents of truants, particularly in larger counties. This raises questions about whether the judicial system can adequately address the needs of families while enforcing educational regulations. Critics argue that additional support mechanisms should be established alongside legal measures to effectively combat truancy without disproportionately penalizing parents.

Companion Bills

TX SB255

Identical Relating to the jurisdiction of constitutional county courts over truancy cases and the appointment of magistrates to hear truancy cases in certain counties.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3931

Relating to truancy and parental contribution to nonattendance of school; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB1488

Relating to truancy and the offense of a parent contributing to nonattendance; creating an offense; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB2725

Relating to truancy; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB1045

Relating to the creation of the Fifteenth Court of Appeals with jurisdiction over certain civil cases, the compensation of the justices of that court, and the jurisdiction of the courts of appeals in this state.

TX HB3400

Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3952

Relating to the jurisdiction of courts in cases of forcible entry and detainer and forcible detainer.

TX HB3398

Relating to county zoning authority for counties adjacent to populous counties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3166

Relating to the creation of the Fifteenth Court of Appeals with jurisdiction over certain civil cases, the compensation of the justices of that court, and the jurisdiction of the courts of appeals in this state; authorizing fees.

TX HB180

Relating to the appointment by the governor of a conservator of certain counties.

TX HB38

Relating to the appointment by the governor of a conservator of certain counties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.