Texas Senate Bill SB374

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 1/19/11
• Refer: 2/2/11

Caption

Relating to the amount of the fee paid by a defendant for a peace officer's services in executing or processing an arrest warrant, capias, or capias pro fine.

Impact

Should SB374 be enacted, its provisions would alter the financial responsibilities of defendants and contribute to increased revenue for law enforcement agencies involved in arrest operations. This could lead to broader implications for the overall cost of justice in the state, particularly for defendants who may face these costs upon conviction. The bill is a part of ongoing efforts to standardize and justify the financial aspects of law enforcement and legal processes within the state.

Summary

SB374 introduces changes to the fees associated with the services provided by peace officers in executing or processing arrest warrants and other related legal actions. Specifically, the bill raises the fee for executing or processing an arrest warrant, capias, or capias pro fine from $50 to $75. This adjustment is intended to reflect the costs incurred by law enforcement agencies when executing these legal orders, thereby providing financial support for such services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be generally supportive among law enforcement entities, which may see this as a necessary measure to ensure that the costs of their services are adequately covered. However, there may be some concern among advocacy groups about the financial burden placed on defendants, particularly those who may already be in financially precarious situations. Such sentiments reflect ongoing debates about the balance between ensuring adequate funding for law enforcement and the potential impact on individuals entangled in the justice system.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the adjustments to the fee structure, particularly regarding how these changes affect defendants' financial obligations upon conviction. Critics may argue that increasing fees could disproportionately impact low-income individuals who might be less able to bear such extra costs, thereby complicating the principles of equity within the legal system. The discussion of SB374 thus opens up broader questions about how costs are managed in the criminal justice system and who ultimately bears the burden.