Texas House Bill HB1987

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/16/09
• Voted on by House: 4/22/09

Caption

Relating to fees paid to a constable for serving civil process.

Note

HB 1987 takes effect on September 1, 2009, and applies only to processes served from that date forward, ensuring a clear transition from the existing law to the updated regulations.

Impact

The changes introduced by HB 1987 are aimed at streamlining the procedure related to the service of civil process by constables and ensuring that fees collected are properly managed. By making these amendments, the bill aims to eliminate potential conflicts of interest where constables could benefit financially from serving civil processes. This move is expected to enhance the integrity of local law enforcement services and bolster public trust in the justice system.

Summary

House Bill 1987 addresses the fees paid to constables for serving civil process in Texas. The bill seeks to modify existing regulations within the Local Government Code pertaining to how constables may serve civil process and the retention of fees associated with such services. Specifically, it emphasizes that constables do not retain any fees apart from their regular salary or compensation. Instead, all collected fees must be deposited with the county treasurer, reinforcing accountability and transparency in the handling of public funds.

Contention

While the bill appears to be straightforward, there may be discussions around how these changes affect the operational capacity of constables, particularly in rural areas where these officials may also serve other critical legal and community functions. Stakeholders may debate whether restricting fee retention could disincentivize constables from effectively serving civil process, given the limited resources available to them.