Volume 7 Issue 16

Indicates featured legislation

Jurisdiction: Newly Introduced

North Carolina HB 695 Prohibits use of foreign or international law in state courts. In House Judiciary C Committee.

Jurisdiction: Floor and Committee Activity

Arizona HB 2240 SENATE VERSION: Increases small claims jurisdiction from $2,500 to $3,500. House concurs with Senate amendment 4/24/13. To Governor for signature.

Delaware SB 10 (Constitutional Amendment) Adds the United States Bankruptcy Courts to the list of entities that may certify questions of law to the Delaware Supreme Court. (Second adoption, first adoption was in 2011/2012 session). Approved by full Senate 4/17/13.

Florida HB 351 Bans court use of international or foreign law in dissolution proceedings and support enforcement under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. Exempts corporations, contract provisions, common law of England and tribal court determinations. Approved by full House 4/18/13.

Florida SB 58 Restricts courts from applying foreign law, legal codes, and systems to cases involving divorce, alimony, the division of marital assets, child support, and child custody. Provision does not apply to corporations, partnerships, and other types of business associations; Ecclesiastical matters and matters governed by federal treaty or international agreements to which the United States is a party and which preempt state law. Approved by Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee 4/8/13.

Missouri SB 267 Prohibits use by state courts of foreign or international law. Approved by full House 4/11/13. Approved by House Downsizing State Government Committee 4/25/13.

North Carolina HB 416 Increases small claims from $5,000 to $10,000. Approved by full House 4/9/13.

Oklahoma HB 1060 Bans use of international or foreign law in state's courts. Approved by full Senate 4/11/13. To Governor for signature.

Oklahoma SB 951 Provides "Any court, arbitration, tribunal, or administrative agency ruling or decision shall violate the public policy of this state and be void and unenforceable if the court, arbitration, tribunal, or administrative agency bases its rulings or decisions in the matter at issue in whole or in part on any law, legal code or system that would not grant the parties affected by the ruling or decision the same fundamental liberties, rights, and privileges granted under the U.S. and Oklahoma Constitutions, including but not limited to due process, freedom of religion, speech, or press, and any right of privacy or marriage as specifically defined by the Constitution of this state." Approved with House amendment by full House 4/22/13. To Senate to concur.

Texas SB 1639 Bans application of foreign law and foreign forum selection in certain family law proceedings. Specifically states does not impact commercial transactions. Approved by Senate Business and Commerce Committee 4/15/13.

Qualifications and Terms: Newly Introduced

North Carolina HB 699 Allows those with 15 years law enforcement experience to serve as magistrates. In House Judiciary A Committee.

Qualifications and Terms: Floor and Committee Activity

Alabama HB 555 Allows former appellate judges to serve as "private judges" for trial courts (currently only former trial judges may do so). Approved by House Judiciary Committee 4/10/13.

Alabama SB 411 Allows former appellate judges to serve as "private judges" for trial courts (currently only former trial judges may do so). Approved by Senate Judiciary Committee 4/24/13.

Alabama SB 433 (Constitutional Amendment) Removes mandatory retirement age of 70 for circuit court and district court judges only. Approved by Senate Judiciary Committee 4/24/13.

California AB 868 Requires Judicial Council train judges and judicial officers on the effects of gender identity and sexual orientation on family law proceedings. Requires on cultural competency and sensitivity relating to, and best practices for, providing adequate care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. Approved by Assembly Judiciary Committee 4/23/13.

Florida SB 1666 Provides that a retired justice or retired judge may consent to temporary duty assigned by the Chief Justice to assist with the backlog of foreclosure cases. Approved by Senate Judiciary Committee 4/15/13.

Indiana HB 1333 Provides that county treasurers, county auditors, county recorders, circuit court clerks, and county surveyors (county offices) may attend the required county officer training courses after being elected to office (currently they are required to take the training after taking office) Conference committee report approved by House and Senate 4/25/13. To Governor for signature.

Iowa HB 357 Specifies that a district judge appointee shall be a resident of the judicial district where the nomination occurred before assuming office. Where the judicial district is divided into judicial election districts, specifies the appointee shall be a resident of the judicial election district where the nomination occurred before assuming office. House does not concur with Senate amendment 4/17/13.

Oregon SJR 34 (Constitutional Amendment) Provides person serving as an Oregon judge may be employed by the Oregon National Guard for the purpose of performing military service or may be employed by the State Board of Higher Education or a school board for the purpose of teaching, and the employment does not prevent the person from serving as a judge.  Approved by Senate Judiciary Committee 4/11/13.

Texas HB 3314 Revises time frame for instruction and continuing education requirements for certain court clerks. Approved by full House 4/25/13.

Washington SB 5046 Extends mandatory retirement age for district court judges only from end of year judge turns 75 to end of term of office judge turns 75. Approved by full House 4/9/13. To Governor for signature.

Rule Making Authority: Newly Introduced

NONE

Rule Making Authority: Floor and Committee Activity

North Dakota HB 1075 Removes requirement that full time judicial referees must be appointed in every judicial district. Specifies the presiding judge of the district is to appoint referees and make assignments. House concurs with Senate amendment 4/9/13. To Governor for signature

Tennessee SR 32 Urges the Tennessee Supreme Court not to adopt the proposed amendment to Rule 8, Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4, of the Rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court relative to professional misconduct by attorneys. Approved by full Senate 4/9/13.

Texas HB 2749 Requires supreme court create forms for expedited foreclosures. Approved by House Judiciary Committee 4/15/13.

Texas HB 3669 Provides for process when at statutory probate court judge is recused and replacement selected.  Approved by House Judiciary Committee 4/17/13.

West Virginia SB 371 Authorizes supreme court to adopt a standardized risk and needs assessment for use by probation officers and to adopt a standardized pretrial screening instrument for use by the Regional Jail Authority. Creates Community Supervision Committee to be appointed by state court administrator. Senate concurs with House amendment 4/13/13. To Governor for approval.

Salary and Budget: Newly Introduced

NONE

Salary and Budget: Floor and Committee Activity

Alaska SB 95 Provides geographic cost-of-living adjustment applies to only first $100,000 of judge's salary and adjustment to equal that given to non-judges in judicial branch. Approved by full House 4/14/13. To Governor for signature.

Arizona HB 2294 Changes laws regarding full time court commissioners in Superior Court eligibility to enter state retirement system. Approved by full Senate 4/15/13. To Governor for signature.

California AB 566 Establishes specified standards if a trial court intends to contract for any services that are currently or customarily performed by trial court employees. Requires the trial court to clearly demonstrate that the contract will result in actual overall cost savings to the trial court for the duration of the entire contract as compared with the trial court's actual costs of providing the same services. Requires a contract for services in excess of $100,000 annually to include specific, measurable performance standards and provisions for audits on performance and cost savings, as specified.  Approved by Assembly Judiciary Committee 4/11/13.

California SB 13 Specifies that the Judges' Retirement System I and the Judges' Retirement System II are not required to adopt the defined benefit formula contained in other provisions for nonsafety and safety members. Approved by full Senate 4/11/13.

Florida HB 87 Providing that “termination” for a senior justice or judge occurs when all employment ceases and the justice or judge retires from the Florida Retirement System. Provides that a senior justice or judge is not subject to certain specified limitations on employment after retirement. Approved by House Appropriations Committee 4/17/13.

Florida SB 1512 Transfers the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund from the Justice Administrative Commission to the Department of Revenue. Provides that clerks of court and the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation are subject to specified procurement requirements for expenditures made pursuant to specified provisions. Provides for remission of certain excess collections to the department for deposit into the General Revenue Fund on specified dates. Exempts certain moneys deposited in the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund from a specified deduction. Approved by full House 4/12/13. Senate does not concur with House amendments.

Illinois SB 1674 Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that 2% of certain fees collected shall be retained by the clerk of court for deposit into the Circuit Court Clerk Operation and Administrative Fund to defray administrative expenses.  Approved by full House 4/10/13.

Illinois SB 1768 AS AMENDED: Creates the Supreme Court Special Purposes Fund. Provides that, with exceptions, all fees paid to or received by an appellate court clerk shall be paid into the Supreme Court Special Purposes Fund (instead of the State treasury) for costs associated with electronic filing and case management systems in the reviewing courts and the operation of committees and commissions established by the Supreme Court. Approved as amended by full Senate 4/18/13.

Indiana HB 1393 Establishes the judicial technology oversight committee to: (1) conduct a continuous study of information technology applications for Indiana's judicial system; (2) make recommendations to the division of state court administration (division) for the establishment of a pilot program concerning electronic filing; (3) allow public court records to be available on the Internet; (4) study the appropriate use of private sector vendors; and (5) make recommendations to the supreme court concerning the implementation of policies, standards, and rules that promote the effective use of technology and automation in Indiana courts. Provides that the committee consists of: (1) the chief justice of the supreme court; (2) the chief information officer of the office of technology; (3) two members of the senate; (4) two members of the house of representatives; (5) one trial court judge; (6) two circuit court clerks, with one clerk for a county that does not operate under the state's automated judicial system and one clerk for a county that operates under the state's automated judicial system; (7) one attorney admitted to the practice of law in Indiana; and (8) an individual affiliated with a taxpayer organization. Requires the division to develop and implement a standard protocol for sending and receiving certain court data by December 31, 2013, and requires the standard protocol to permit vendors to access the system on an equitable basis. Allows the budget committee to release funds for the judicial technology and automation project after the division certifies in conjunction with the Indiana office of technology that the judicial technology automation project is in compliance with certain information sharing and exchange requirements. Provides that the automated record keeping fee increases for two years from $5 to $7 for all civil, criminal, infraction, and ordinance violation actions except actions resulting in the accused person entering into a: (1) pretrial diversion program agreement; or (2) deferral program agreement. Allocates the $2 fee increase as follows: (1) $2 to the state, if the county is operating under the state's automated judicial system; or (2) $1 to the state and $1 to the county if the county is not operating under the state's automated judicial system. Provides that the automated record keeping fee is $5 for all civil, criminal, infraction, and ordinance violation actions resulting in the accused person entering into a: (1) pretrial diversion program agreement; or (2) deferral program agreement. House concurs with Senate amendments 4/17/13. To Governor for signature.

Louisiana HB 332 Increases various civil filing fees in justice of the peace courts. Approved by House Judiciary Committee 4/22/13.

Louisiana SB 155 Increases certain filing fees and costs levied by Louisiana Supreme Court. Approved by full Senate 4/15/13.

Montana HB 206 CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: Gradually increases civil filing fee in justice courts. Doubles other fees/fines immediately. Conference committee report approved by House and Senate 4/24/13. To Governor for signature.

Montana HB 403 Changes various fees for copying and reproduction of documents. Approved by full House with Senate amendment 4/17/13. To Governor for signature.

Nevada AB 365 Requires the Court Administrator to adopt criteria and procedures for the appointment of alternate court interpreters under certain circumstances. Requires a certified court interpreter or an alternate court interpreter to be provided in various judicial proceedings for a person with a language barrier.  Approved by full Assembly 4/15/13.

Nevada AB 54 Increases the amount of certain fees charged and collected by the justice court and revises the tiers upon which certain fees are based. Requires the county treasurer to deposit 25 percent of the fees received from justices of the peace into a special account administered by the county and maintained for the benefit of the justice courts within the county. Limits use of such funds to (1) for purposes generally related to the acquisition of land or facilities or the construction or renovation of facilities for the justice courts or a multi-use facility that includes the justice courts; (2) to acquire advanced technology for the use of the justice courts; (3) to acquire equipment or additional staff to enhance the security of the facilities used by the justice courts, justices of the peace, staff of the justice courts and residents of this State who access the justice courts; and (4) to pay for staff to support the operation of the justice courts. Approved by full Assembly 4/22/13.

New Hampshire HB 652 Increases court filing fees and increases the percentage of such fees to be deposited in the judicial branch information technology fund. Approved by Senate Judiciary Committee 4/23/13.

New Hampshire SB 33 Makes technical changes to the judicial retirement plan due to the establishment of the circuit courts Approved by full House 4/24/13. To Senate to concur with House amendment.

New Hampshire SB 68 Makes technical corrections regarding the escrow fund for court facility improvements, including changing the name of the fund to the escrow fund for judicial branch facility improvements. Approved with House amendment by full House 4/24/13.

Texas HB 1513 AS AMENDED: Allows counties to charge up to $10 (now up to $5) district court records archive fee. Allows counties to charge up to $10 (now up to $5) records management and preservation fee.  Approved by full House 4/12/13.

Texas HB 1530 Modifies numerous laws related to court fees collected by county clerks or district clerks. Approved by full House 4/25/13.

Texas HB 1702 Provides staff and others hired by the trial courts serve at the pleasure of the judge who appointed the staff or personnel and that the judges are to determine compensation for staff and support personnel. Approved by House Judiciary Committee 4/22/13.

Texas HB 1710 Provides if state fails to increase state salary paid to a district judge for 3 years, county may provide cost of living adjustment of up to 10% of judge's salary. Provides if state later increases salary, county may revoke the increase it is paying. Approved by House Judiciary Committee 4/24/13.

Texas HB 2302 Provides for either a $5 or $15 fee, depending on court type, on civil filings and criminal convictions to pay for electronic filings in state courts. Approved by full House 4/26/13.

Texas HB 2327 Increase various courthouse security fund fees. Approved by full House 4/18/13.

Texas SB 1080 Requires study of the adequacy and appropriateness of additional compensation paid to certain county judges. Approved by full Senate 4/23/13.

Texas SB 560 Provides judges are to be paid on biweekly basis (currently monthly). Approved House County Affairs Committee 4/19/13.

West Virginia HB 2434 Removes two-tier system for paying magistrates, magistrate assistants and magistrate court clerks and provides all such officers to be paid same regardless of county size. Approved with Senate amendment by full Senate 4/13/13. To House to concur.

West Virginia SB 146 Permits magistrate courts to collect unpaid costs, fines, forfeitures and penalties from a defendant’s income tax refund. Senate concurs with House amendment 4/13/13. To Governor for approval.

West Virginia SB 331 Permits Courthouse Facilities Improvement Authority to issue bonds. Approved by full House 4/12/13. To Governor for signature.

West Virginia SB 403 Provides a sliding scale for the retirement contribution of judges participating in the judicial retirement system to ensure that the judicial pension system remains fully funded and is a “qualifying system” under federal law.  Senate concurs with House amendment 4/13/13. To Governor for approval.

Selection: Newly Introduced

Alabama HB 602 Provides for nonpartisan election of circuit and district court judges. In House Constitution, Campaigns and Elections Committee.

Selection: Floor and Committee Activity

Arkansas HB 2065 Provides district court judicial candidates to file with Secretary of State and not county clerk. Modifies various provisions relating to judicial election deadlines. House concurs with Senate amendment 4/11/13. To Governor for signature.

Arkansas SB 694 AS AMENDED: Provides judge appointed to interim vacancy on circuit or district court may not use "Judge" on ballot unless they are seeking the office of circuit or district judge and have served as a judge for at least 12 months. Approved as amended by full House 4/8/13. To Governor for signature.

California AB 1005 Requires governor and state bar report number of applicants for judicial office that are veterans or disabled. Requires AOC report how many judges currently in office are veterans or disabled. Approved by Assembly Judiciary Committee 4/23/13.

Minnesota HB 136 Expands campaign finance and public disclosure law for public officials to include judges. Approved by House Ways and Means Committee 4/17/13.

North Dakota SB 2299 Expands various campaign finance laws, in particular those related to political committees, to judicial races. Conference committee report approved by House and Senate 4/19/13. To Governor for signature.

Tennessee HB 695 Extends the judicial nominating commission until 2015. Approved by full House 4/16/13.

Tennessee SB 1058 AS AMENDED: Removes all judicial performance evaluation commission members. Replaces with 9 new members. Extends commission until July 2013. Approved as amended by full Senate 4/19/13.

Tennessee SB 215 ORIGINAL: Extends the judicial nominating commission until 2015. AMENDED: Extends until 2014. Approved as amended by Senate Government Operations Committee 4/10/13.

Tennessee SB 216 AS AMENDED: Removes all judicial performance evaluation commission members. Replaces with 9 new members. Extends commission until July 2013. Approved as amended by Senate Government Operations Committee 4/10/13.

Tennessee SB 566 ORIGINAL: Extends the judicial nominating commission until June 30, 2013. AS AMENDED: Extends to 2015. Approved as amended by Senate Government Operations Committee 4/10/13.

Tennessee SB 567 Extends the judicial performance evaluation commission until June 30, 2014. Approved by Senate Government Operations Committee 4/10/13.

Texas HB 2772 Creates interim study regarding the method by which district judges and appellate justices and judges are selected. Approved by House Judiciary Committee 4/22/13.

Washington HB 1195 AS AMENDED: For judicial and other nonpartisan elections where only 2 candidates are up for office, provides contest is to occur at general election (currently decided at primary election) Approved by Senate Ways & Means Committee 4/9/13.

Washington HB 1474 For judicial and other nonpartisan elections where only 2 candidates are up for office, provides contest is to occur at general election (currently decided at primary election). Approved by full Senate 4/17/13. House concurs with Senate amendments 4/22/13. To Governor for signature.

West Virginia HB 2805 Makes the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Public Campaign Financing Pilot Program a permanent program. Approved by full Senate 4/13/13. To Governor for signature.

West Virginia SB 527 Requires governor fill vacancy in Supreme Court within 30 days of vacancy occurring. Allows chief judge to fill interim vacancy in clerk of circuit court. Clarifies when vacancies occur whether or not a special election must be called or if person may serve until next general election. Senate concurs with House amendment 4/13/13. To Governor for approval.

Structure Changes: Newly Introduced

NONE

Structure Changes: Floor and Committee Activity

Arizona HB 2310 Requires administrative office of the courts evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of the mental health courts and specialized probation caseloads that currently operate in state and municipal courts. Requires AOC develop standards for the design, training in and procedures to establish and implement efficient, effective and accountable mental health courts at the county and municipal levels throughout the state.  Approved by full House 4/23/13. To Governor for signature.

California SB 123 Requires the presiding judge of each superior court to establish an environmental and land-use division. Approved by Senate Judiciary Committee 4/22/13.

Indiana HB 1016 Provides additional circumstances under which a person can participate in a problem solving court program. Provides that a problem solving court may provide rehabilitative services. Simplifies the problem solving court fee transfer process. House concurs with Senate amendment 4/16/13. To Governor for signature.

Louisiana SB 152 Allows courts to create gun court docket. Approved by full Senate 4/18/13.

Louisiana SB 71 Authorizes and provides for mental health courts Approved by full Senate 4/25/13.

Maryland SB 239 Increases Court of Special Appeals (state's intermediate appellate court) from 13 to 15. Approved by full House 4/4/13. To Governor for signature.

Missouri HB 373 AS AMENDED: Starting in 2020 allows for the redrawing of the circuit and appellate districts every 20 years by the Missouri Supreme Court under criteria set in law. r. Provides plan only becomes effective if NOT rejected by legislature, which is not permitted to amend the plan. Approved as amended by full House 4/15/13.

Missouri HB 374 Provides the Missouri Supreme Court with the ability to transfer circuit and associate judge positions from one circuit to another as the administration of justice requires. Provides Supreme Court may transfer a judicial position only when a vacancy occurs, and must consider certain criteria before determining whether to transfer the position to a new circuit. Approved by full House 4/15/13.

Missouri SB 118 Authorizes circuit courts or a combination of circuits to create veterans treatment courts. Approved by full Senate 4/16/13.

Nevada AB 84 Requires certain district courts to establish an appropriate program for the treatment of certain offenders who are veterans or members of the military if funds are available. Approved by full Assembly 4/16/13.

Oklahoma SB 820 Provides redistricting/new boundaries for all state's judicial districts. Approved by full House 4/16/13.

Oregon HCR 24 Expresses legislative support for creation of Veterans Treatment Court in all judicial districts. Approved by full House 4/12/13.

South Carolina HB 3014 Requires creation of veterans treatment courts in each judicial circuit by the attorney general. Approved by full House 4/17/13.

Tennessee HJR 124 Urges establishment of veterans courts across Tennessee and urges the administrative office of the courts to pursue any and all available federal funding for such an initiative Approved by full Senate 4/8/13. To Governor for signature.

West Virginia HCR 123 Requests study of allocation of magistrates in state. Approved by full House 4/13/13.

Other: Newly Introduced

Louisiana SCR 6 Requests that the Louisiana State Law Institute study the feasibility of requiring clerks of court to accept electronic signatures on documents to be filed with the court.  In Senate Governmental Affairs Committee.

New York SB 4535 Reclassifies uniformed court officers as police officers. In Senate Codes Committee.

North Carolina HB 600 Allows clerks of court to carry firearms into courthouses. In House Judiciary A Committee.

North Carolina HB 715 Provides two members, one from each chamber, to co-chair Courts Commission. In House Rules Committee.

North Carolina HB 820 Revises numerous laws affecting courts. Allows Governor to select anyone to fill interim vacancies in District Courts (currently must selection from list given by local bar). Provides Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety to oversee courts. Provides requirements for chief district court judge in terms of allocation of magistrates to hear traffic cases in lieu of district judges. In House Judiciary A Committee.

North Carolina HB 859 Puts Judiciary's information technology decisions under control of Governor's State Chief Information Officer In House Government Committee.

North Carolina HB 882 Directs study of business courts in the state. In House Rules Committee.

North Carolina SB 685 Waives requirement that judges and clerks of court must obtain concealed carry permits before carrying handguns. In Senate Rules Committee.

Other: Floor and Committee Activity

California AB 1352 Clarifies that time periods to destroy court documents and records commence after the date of final disposition of the case. Approved by Assembly Judiciary Committee 4/23/13.

Colorado HB 1294 Modifies the definition of "public entity" under the "Colorado Governmental Immunity Act to clarify that it includes the state's judicial department. Approved by full House 4/23/13.

Florida HB 571 Requires supreme court marshal & his or her deputies to comply with specified requirements for law enforcement officers. Specifies that marshal & his or her deputies are law enforcement officers with statewide authority to bear arms & perform official duties & apprehend without warrant under certain conditions. Deletes provisions relating to marshal & his or her deputies being conservators of peace. Approved by full Senate 4/24/13. To Governor for signature.

Florida HB 643 Provides requirements for storage of papers & electronic filings. Authorizes clerk to provide public records in an electronic format. Clarifies when office title "Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller" may be used. Approved by full Senate 4/26/13.

Florida SB 112 Prohibits filing of false documents/liens on judges and clerks of court. Approved by full Senate 4/11/13.

Hawaii HB 1137 Requires the Judiciary to establish a complaint process regarding a child custody evaluator appointed by the court. Approved by full House 4/25/13.

Illinois SB 1748 Includes court security officers in the definition of "law enforcement officer" for line of duty compensation act purposes. Approved by full Senate 4/10/13.

Michigan HB 4532 Modifies ways probate court records are maintained and by whom. Allows for the digitization of court documents and electronic signatures on court filings and documents. Approved by full House 4/25/13.

Minnesota SB 712 Allows for death penalty for murder of judge. Increases penalty for various crimes committed against judges. Approved by Senate Finance Committee 4/24/13.

Missouri HB 371 Specifies that any moneys received by or on behalf of the State Courts Administrator from fees, grants, or any other sources in connection with providing training to judicial personnel must be deposited into the Judicial Personnel Training Fund but any moneys collected in connection with a particular purpose must be segregated fees and not disbursed for any other purpose. Approved by House Judiciary Committee 4/3/13.

Missouri HB 533 Forbids judiciary from prohibiting a employee from keeping a firearm in his or her vehicle on state property as long as the vehicle is locked and the firearm is not visible. Approved by full House 4/11/13.

Missouri HB 543 Provides state auditor may audit circuit courts. Approved by full House 4/25/13.

Missouri SJR 8 (Constitutional Amendment) Removes references to commissioners of the supreme court from constitution (position no longer exists) with respect to reapportionment commission. Replaces references with judges of court of appeals. Approved by Senate Judiciary Committee 4/15/13.

Nevada SB 208 Includes court bailiffs and deputy marshals as "police officers" for purposes of Nevada Occupational Diseases Act.  Approved by full Senate 4/22/13.

Nevada SB 22 Requires clerks of the district courts and justice courts provide Attorney General copy of any ruling striking down a state statute or a provision of the state's constitution. Approved by full Senate 4/15/13.

Nevada SB 27 Specifically requires Attorney General to provide legal counsel to any present or former justice of the Supreme Court, senior justice, judge of a district court or senior judge sued civilly based on alleged act or omission relating to the person’s public duty or employment. Approved by full Senate 4/18/13.

Nevada SB 74 Requires the officer, employee or agent of the governmental entity holding a public record to prepare the copy of the public record, unless the copy needs to be a certified copy. Requires all public books or record to be made available immediately upon request if the public book or record is readily available.  Approved by full Senate 4/19/13.

New Hampshire HB 648 Permits current marital masters to remain in office until retirement, resignation, disability, or nonrenewal of appointment. Approved by Senate Judiciary Committee 4/23/13.

Oklahoma HB 1242 Authorizes district court judges to carry firearms anywhere in the state if judge undertakes certain training. Approved by full Senate 4/15/13.

Oklahoma SB 908 Provides Chief Justice is authorized to accept a gift on behalf of the state presented to the judiciary. Approved by full House 4/25/13.

Oregon SB 532 Adds judiciary to list of government entities that mush designate a liaison to the office of Emergency Management.  Approved by full Senate 4/25/13.

Pennsylvania HR 138 Directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study of the constable system in Pennsylvania. Requires report on findings be sent to chief justice and legislature. Approved by full House 4/15/13.

Pennsylvania HR 150 Memorializes the Supreme Court to approve and adopt proposed Rules of Criminal Procedure 113, 513 and 513.1, related to public access to arrest warrants. Approved by full House 4/16/13.

Tennessee SB 1057 ORIGINAL: Provides where judge must transmit information to governor requesting substitute judge is needed due to illness, recusal, etc. that the request may be made electronically. AS AMENDED: Requires all courts using e-filing must use system provider authorized by administrative office of the courts. Approved as amended by full House 4/11/13. To Governor for signature.

Texas HB 1728 Provides for use of electronic court seal by constitutional county court or county clerk. Approved by full House 4/25/13.

Texas HB 2409 Provides judges of certain courts may hire court administrators (currently may only hire administrative assistants). Approved by House Judiciary Committee 4/17/13.

Texas HB 3790 Creates Judicial Branch Certification Commission to oversee the regulatory programs relating to court reporters, guardians, process servers, and court interpreters. Approved by House Judiciary Committee 4/8/13.

Texas HB 62 AS AMENDED: Prohibits judges from having "a significant interest" owning, managing, or operating a private correctional or rehabilitation facility. Approved as amended by full House 4/25/13.

Texas SB 1471 Provides process for recusal or disqualification of a statutory probate court judge and subsequent assignment of another judge. Approved by full Senate 4/24/13.

Texas SB 209 Revises functions and operation of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Approved by full Senate 4/23/13.

Texas SB 265 Removes requirement that various county officers, including judges and clerks of court, execute a bond.  Approved by House County Affairs Committee 4/23/13.

Texas SB 753 Requires a district court clerk to produce all or a portion of the index of the parties to all suits that is not otherwise confidential by law, for inspection or copying if requested by application. Provides if the index is in an electronic form, the clerk would be required to provide an electronic copy and charge a fee set in accordance with the rules prescribed by the attorney general that are applicable to electronic copies of public information. Approved by full Senate 4/10/13.

Texas SB 966 AS AMENDED: Consolidates Licensed Court Reporter Interpretation Advisory Board, Court Reporters Certification Board, Guardianship Certification Board, and Process Server Review Board into new Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC). Approved as amended by full Senate 4/9/13.

Texas SCR 21 Celebrates Municipal Courts Week in Texas. Approved by full House 4/17/13.

Texas SJR 42 (Constitutional Amendment) Authorizes the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to add to its list of allowable disciplinary actions after a formal proceeding a public sanction. Provides sanction could take the form of an order of public admonition, warning, reprimand or a requirement for additional training or education. Approved by full Senate 4/23/13.

Washington HB 1383 Provides for enhanced penalties for stalking a court employee, court clerk, or courthouse facilitator. Approved by full Senate 4/16/13. House concurs with Senate amendment 4/22/13. To Governor for signature

Washington SB 5797 Provides legislature respectfully encourages the supreme court to adopt any administrative orders and court rules of practice and procedure it deems necessary to support the establishment of effective specialty courts. Approved by full House 4/12/13. Senate concurs with House amendments 4/25/13. To Governor for signature.