Texas House Bill HB1250

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/18/11
• Introduced: 2/10/11
• Voted on by House: 5/15/11
• Refer: 3/1/11
• Report Pass: 4/6/11
• Engrossed: 5/15/11
• Refer: 5/16/11

Caption

Relating to the use of facsimile signatures for certain documents involving certain municipalities.

Impact

The inclusion of facsimile signatures in public documentation is expected to simplify the handling of contracts, purchase orders, and surety bonds, ultimately enhancing efficiency in municipal operations. This modernization reflects a recognition of technological advancements and aims to reduce administrative burdens on larger municipalities which commonly deal with an extensive volume of contracts and documents. The ability to authenticate documents electronically may facilitate quicker turnaround times for municipal agreements and legal statements related to property management, especially concerning filing liens.

Summary

House Bill 1250 seeks to amend certain sections of the Government Code and the Health and Safety Code in Texas, specifically focusing on the reliability of facsimile signatures used in municipal documents. The bill defines 'eligible contracts' to include various forms of written agreements that may now incorporate facsimile signatures. This change is particularly aimed at home-rule municipalities with populations exceeding 200,000, enabling them to streamline administrative processes when dealing with contracts and other official documents.

Contention

While the bill proposes standardizing the use of facsimile signatures, it may raise concerns among some stakeholders about the authenticity and security of these signatures in legal contexts. Critics could argue that allowing facsimile signatures could lead to potential misuse or disputes over the validity of executed documents, calling for stronger regulations or verification processes to safeguard public interests. Nonetheless, supporters of the bill advocate for its necessity in adapting to contemporary administrative needs and reducing delays in government operations.