Texas House Bill HB3285

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of a judicial district composed of Kendall County, the composition of the 216th Judicial District, the creation of a criminal district attorney of Kendall County, and the abolishment of the County Court at Law of Kendall County and the office of county attorney of Kendall County.

Impact

The bill also calls for the creation of a criminal district attorney for Kendall County, establishing specific qualifications for this position. This attorney will possess powers and responsibilities typical of district attorneys across multiple counties, including the exclusive representation of the state in criminal matters. Additionally, the bill mandates that the new criminal district attorney's salary be funded by state appropriations alongside local contributions, emphasizing a shared financial responsibility for this public position. As a result, the bill is expected to enhance local judicial efficiency and improve access to legal processes for Kendall County citizens.

Summary

House Bill 3285 seeks to create a new judicial district in Texas specifically for Kendall County. This bill proposes the formation of the 451st Judicial District and includes changes to the composition of the 216th Judicial District, which previously included Kendall County. The establishment of this new district will allow Kendall County to have its own dedicated district court, thus streamlining judicial processes for local residents. The bill outlines the jurisdiction of this court, highlighting its concurrent jurisdiction with existing county courts in civil and criminal matters.

Contention

Another major aspect of HB 3285 is the abolishment of the existing County Court at Law and the office of the county attorney in Kendall County. This aspect of the bill may lead to debates about the adequacy of judicial support and representation of local needs, as some may argue that eliminating these positions could hinder certain legal proceedings. The transition of cases from these abolished courts to the new 451st District Court is also significant, raising questions regarding how effectively this transfer will be managed and if it will affect ongoing legal matters.

Summary_notes

In conclusion, HB 3285 represents a significant shift in the judicial structure for Kendall County, bringing both opportunities for enhanced legal governance and potential challenges surrounding the transition and representation of local legal needs. The creation of a dedicated criminal district attorney and the establishment of the 451st Judicial District reflect the state's ongoing efforts to tailor judicial services to the needs of its communities.