Texas House Bill HB2861

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/10/11
• Refer: 3/17/11

Caption

Relating to documents filed with a district, county, or court clerk.

Impact

The bill seeks to modernize the document management process within Texas's judicial system. By establishing clearer guidelines for the use and retention of both original and electronic documents, it addresses common challenges faced by clerks and other officials responsible for document management. The expected impact of these changes is a more streamlined, efficient process for filing, retrieving, and preserving legal documents, ultimately improving access to critical documents for all users of the court system.

Summary

House Bill 2861 aims to amend procedures regarding documents filed with district, county, or court clerks in Texas. The bill introduces changes to the relevant sections of the Government Code, ensuring that original documents are recorded and filed within a specified timeframe and outlines standards for organizing and indexing these records. This is intended to improve the efficiency of document retrieval and maintain high standards for the preservation of records, aligning with national archival standards.

Sentiment

Overall, feedback on HB2861 has been largely positive among lawmakers and administrative professionals involved in the legislative and court system. Supporters argue that these amendments will facilitate better record-keeping practices and encourage the shift towards electronic filing, which has become increasingly necessary. However, concerns have been raised regarding the practicality of enforcing these new standards, particularly among smaller jurisdictions that may lack the necessary resources to implement such changes effectively.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB2861 is the balance between maintaining the integrity of original documents while adapting to modern electronic filing systems. Opponents of certain aspects of the bill worry that an emphasis on electronic processes might compromise the preservation of original documents. These discussions reflect an important tension between innovation in legal processes and the traditional methods of document management that have ensured accuracy and reliability in the judicial system.