Texas House Bill HB4190

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

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.