Texas House Bill HB1398

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the appointment of bailiffs by the district courts and county courts at law in Grayson County.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1398 will modify certain sections of the Government Code concerning the appointment criteria and requirements for bailiffs in Grayson County. Notably, while the previous law established a broader scope, the bill restricts the authority to appoint bailiffs to specific courts within Grayson County. It retains the provision that bailiffs must be U.S. citizens and local residents, thus emphasizing the significance of local governance in judicial appointments.

Summary

House Bill 1398 addresses the process of appointing bailiffs within the district and county courts in Grayson County, Texas. This bill specifically allows judges from the 15th, 59th, and 397th district courts, along with judges from the statutory county courts in Grayson County, to appoint bailiffs. The legislation is aimed at clarifying and streamlining the appointment process, thus enhancing the operational efficiency of the courts in the area.

Contention

Although the bill primarily serves an administrative function and does not seem to have widespread opposition, it may raise discussions around the implications of court personnel appointments. The focus on local judges having the authority to appoint bailiffs serves to enhance control over judicial processes in Grayson County, but there could be discussions on whether such powers could lead to favoritism or political influences in future appointments. As such, the bill draws attention to the broader themes of accountability and transparency within the judicial system.