Texas House Bill HB1859

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the production of the index of the parties to all suits by the clerk of a district court; authorizing a fee.

Note

Furthermore, HB1859 is designed to take effect immediately if it passes with a two-thirds vote from all elected members in both houses. If this threshold is not met, the bill is scheduled to become effective on September 1, 2015, which indicates the urgency the legislature places on ensuring efficient access to court records.

Impact

One of the significant aspects of HB1859 is the introduction of a fee associated with obtaining an electronic copy of the index. This fee will be determined in accordance with regulations set by the Attorney General, ensuring a standardized approach to the costs associated with accessing such public information. By allowing for a fee structure, the bill aims to create a resource for overseeing the expenses the courts might incur in maintaining and providing access to this information.

Summary

House Bill 1859 is a legislative proposal focused on the production of the index of the parties involved in all suits maintained by the clerk of a district court in Texas. This bill proposes that when any person requests it, the court clerk must produce the index promptly for inspection or copying, provided the index is not confidential by law. The provision of the index in electronic format is also highlighted, allowing for the possibility of an electronic copy upon request.

Contention

The bill does not appear to have significant opposition within the text reviewed, suggesting that it may have been received favorably in preliminary discussions. However, it is crucial to observe that the implementation of fees for public documents can often lead to debates around access to public information, with potential concerns regarding the financial barriers that may be introduced for individuals seeking legal transparency. Proponents of the bill might argue that fees are necessary for proper resource allocation within the justice system, whereas opponents could highlight issues of accessibility for low-income individuals.