Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB4190

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to court costs imposed on conviction and deposited to the appropriate courthouse security fund or court building security fund.

Impact

The passage of HB 4190 would significantly affect how courts collect fees from defendants in Texas. The increased costs will enable local municipalities and counties to better support their courthouse security funds. These funds are crucial for maintaining safe environments within the court system. Changes in the fee structure also indicate a recognition of the importance of security in judicial proceedings, particularly given increasing concerns related to courtroom safety.

Summary

House Bill 4190 proposes amendments to the court costs imposed on conviction in Texas. Specifically, it seeks to adjust the existing security fees for defendants convicted of felony and misdemeanor offenses. The bill suggests increasing the security fee for felony offenses from $5 to $10 and for misdemeanor offenses from $3 to $8 in district courts. Furthermore, it modifies the fees for convictions in justice courts and municipal courts, increasing specific charges accordingly. Such changes are a part of an effort to ensure adequate funding for courthouse security and related needs.

Contention

Discussion around this bill may focus on the fairness of increasing court costs, especially regarding defendants who may already be facing significant financial burdens due to legal fees and potential penalties from convictions. Critics may argue that these fee increases might disproportionately affect low-income individuals, making it harder for them to seek justice. Others may advocate for the necessity of adequate funding for court security, emphasizing that such investments ultimately serve the public interest by ensuring safety in judicial proceedings.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2918

Relating to the imposition of a supplemental court security fee on conviction of certain criminal offenses.

TX HB3671

Relating to justice court security in certain counties.

TX HB3186

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.

TX SB1505

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.

TX HB4941

Relating to the regulation of private security.

TX SB1367

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.

TX HB2675

Relating to the deposit of funds into court registries by the clerks of justice courts.

TX HB4703

Relating to the operation and administration of and practice in and grants provided by courts in the judicial branch of state government.

TX HB13

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.

TX HB3386

Relating to the criminal district courts, statutory county courts, and criminal law magistrates in Tarrant County.

Similar Bills

CA AB2236

Optometry: certification to perform advanced procedures.

CA AB1196

Sacramento Regional Transit District: board of directors: voting procedures.

CA SB923

Criminal investigations: eyewitness identification.

TX SB1420

Relating to court costs and fees in criminal proceedings.

TX HB3992

Relating to court costs imposed on conviction and deposited to the courthouse security fund or the municipal court building security fund; increasing fees.

TX HB726

Relating to prohibited nonconsensual medical procedures and treatment on certain minors with intersex traits.

TX HB1746

Relating to prohibited nonconsensual medical procedures and treatment on certain minors with intersex traits.

TX HB1559

Relating to prohibited nonconsensual medical procedures and treatment on certain minors with intersex traits.