NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

The LFC is only preparing FIRs on bills referred to the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Ways and Means Committee, the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the House Taxation and Revenue Committee. The chief clerks are responsible for preparing and issuing all other bill analyses.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Room 416 of the State Capitol Building.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC files

Administrative Office of the Courts analysis

Administrative Office of the District Attorneys analysis

Public Defender Department analysis

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 546 provides for an additional magistrate judgeship in the Sierra county magistrate district. Both judgeships shall operate as a single court located in Truth or Consequences.

Significant Issues

The new magistrate shall be appointed by the governor beginning July 1, 1999 and serve until succeeded by a magistrate elected in the general election of 2000.

House Bill 546 does not include additional funding for the district attorney or the public defender department, both of which may be impacted by the creation of a new judgeship.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

House Bill 546 appropriates $75.0 in recurring general fund to the Administrative Office of the Courts.

DUPLICATION

House Bill 546 duplicates House Bill 148 and Senate Bill 106.

BOC/njw