COURT MANAGER AND COORDINATOR SYSTEM FOR CERTAIN HARRIS COUNTY COURTS

(a) The courts in Harris County that have the same criminal jurisdiction as county courts with criminal jurisdiction may establish and maintain a court manager and coordinator system. (b) The judges of the courts to which this section applies may appoint a court manager, one or more court coordinators, and other staff as appropriate to the needs of the local jurisdiction. The judges shall by rule designate the qualifications and duties of the court manager and the coordinators to improve criminal justice and expedite the processing of criminal cases through the county courts. The court manager and the coordinators shall cooperate with state agencies having duties relating to the operation of the courts to promote uniform and efficient justice. (c) The court manager and the coordinators serve at the pleasure of the judges. (d) A court manager and coordinators are entitled to reasonable compensation as set by the judges of the courts served. The amount paid the court manager may not exceed 60 percent of the salary paid the judges unless the commissioners court by order sets the court manager's compensation at a greater amount. The amount paid the coordinators may not exceed 50 percent of the salary paid the judges. (e) On the judges' orders, the commissioners court shall fund the court manager and coordinator system from fines collected by the courts served by the court manager and coordinators. If the fines collected are insufficient to provide the total funding for the program, the county shall provide the additional funds needed. (f) This section does not diminish the statutory duties and powers of the sheriff, district attorney, clerk of the court, or any court officer.