Texas Senate Bill SB1580

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the imposition and use of certain court costs for breath alcohol testing programs.

Impact

The introduction of SB1580 is expected to have a significant impact on the financial structure of local alcohol testing programs. By centralizing the fee collection process and ensuring a consistent fee amount for DUI-related offenses, local governments can better manage resources allocated for breath alcohol testing. The bill is positioned as a means to enhance public safety by ensuring that adequate testing programs are financially supported, thus allowing law enforcement to carry out their duties more effectively.

Summary

SB1580 seeks to amend existing laws regarding the imposition and use of court costs associated with breath alcohol testing programs in the state of Texas. The bill stipulates that, upon conviction of specific alcohol-related offenses, a standard fee of $45 will be collected as part of court costs. This fee is intended to support local programs that perform breath alcohol testing, thus providing financial resources for their maintenance and operations. The legislation clarifies that the collection of these fees will be uniform across different types of courts, including district and county courts.

Contention

While the bill primarily aims to bolster funding for breath alcohol testing programs, it may also raise concerns regarding fairness and the financial burden on those convicted of alcohol-related offenses. Critics may argue that imposing such fees could disproportionately affect low-income individuals caught in the legal system, adding to an existing financial strain. Additionally, there may be a debate on whether such fees could lead to increased revenue generation for the state while prioritizing enforcement and testing over rehabilitation and prevention measures.