Relating to the security of courts and judges in the state; establishing a fee.
Impact
If enacted, SB42 will significantly influence the management and financing of judicial security measures across Texas. By instituting a dedicated judicial and court personnel training fee, the bill aims to ensure that adequate resources are available for training security personnel and improving court safety protocols. This will potentially lead to more consistent and effective security practices in courts, significantly benefiting judges, court staff, and the public who visit these facilities. The bill also aims to address the rising concerns of safety in judicial settings.
Summary
SB42, known as the Judge Julie Kocurek Judicial and Courthouse Security Act of 2017, aims to enhance the security of courts and judges within Texas. The bill establishes a framework for court security by requiring the formation of court security committees, which will be responsible for implementing security policies and procedures in municipal courts. Additionally, it mandates the collection of a $5 fee for civil actions to fund judicial and court personnel training, highlighting the need for enhanced training for individuals responsible for court security. This fee will be deposited into a fund specifically allocated for judicial security purposes.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB42 is largely supportive, especially among those who advocate for improved safety measures for judicial personnel. Supporters argue that enhancing security is essential to protect judges and court personnel from threats, thereby allowing the judiciary to function without fear of intimidation. However, there are concerns about the practicality of funding and implementing these security measures effectively, as well as potential implications for civil access to the courts due to the additional fees imposed.
Contention
Notable points of contention include discussions around the imposition of fees for accessing judicial processes, which some critics argue could hinder access to justice for low-income individuals. Additionally, there are concerns about the balance between increasing security and maintaining open and accessible courts. The establishment of court security committees also raises questions regarding their composition and authority in managing the budget and resources allocated for security, prompting debates about local autonomy versus centralized control in making judicial policy.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.
Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for employees of a county courthouse or the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System and the employees' family members.
Relating to homeland security, including the creation of the Texas Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety, the operations of the Homeland Security Council, the creation of a homeland security fusion center, and the duties of state agencies and local governments in preparing for, reporting, and responding to cybersecurity breaches; providing administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to youth diversion strategies and procedures for children accused of certain fine-only offenses in municipal and justice courts and related criminal justice matters; authorizing fees.
Relating to implicit bias training for justices and judges of state courts, judicial officers, certain court personnel, and attorneys licensed to practice law in this state.
Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for a current or former administrative law judge for the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for commissioners and employees whose duties relate to the administration of the judicial branch of state government and the commissioners' and employees' family members.
Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state government, including court security, court documents and arrest warrants, document delivery, juvenile boards, constitutional amendment election challenges, mandatory expunction for certain persons, record retention, and youth diversion; increasing a criminal penalty; authorizing fees.
Relating to address confidentiality on certain documents for certain federal officials and family members of certain federal officials or federal or state court judges.
Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for employees of a county courthouse or the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System and the employees' family members.
Relating to certain Title IV-D cases and other cases with respect to child support or Title IV-D agency services and to practices and procedures for the operation of the Title IV-D agency.