Texas House Bill HB1412

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the application of the professional prosecutors law to and the duties of the county attorney in Burleson County and to the duties of the district attorney for the 21st Judicial District and the 335th Judicial District.

Impact

The bill's amendments specifically empower the county attorney in Burleson County to handle cases and perform duties previously reserved for district attorneys, thereby streamlining responsibilities. The changes aim to enhance the efficiency of the legal process in Burleson County while clarifying the roles of legal officials within the jurisdiction. Additionally, by allowing the county attorney to accept gifts or grants for office operations, the bill seeks to support the financial stability of the county attorney's office.

Summary

House Bill 1412 addresses the responsibilities and powers associated with the county attorney in Burleson County and modifies the duties of the district attorney for the 21st Judicial District and the 335th Judicial District. It amends chapters of the Government Code to ensure that the county attorney in Burleson County performs functions akin to those of a district attorney. This includes representing the state in legal matters within the jurisdiction and managing associated legal functions as prescribed by law.

Contention

Potential points of contention regarding HB 1412 may arise from the implications of consolidating responsibilities into the county attorney's office. Stakeholders might express concerns about the adequacy of resources and support available to the county attorney, especially in comparison to district attorneys who typically have access to more resources and funding. Furthermore, the bill may face scrutiny regarding how well it delineates the lines of authority between county and district officials and whether the changes sufficiently address the legal needs of the community.