Texas Senate Bill SB409

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/30/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/12/09
• Voted on by House: 5/15/09
• Governor Action: 5/27/09
• Enrolled: 5/18/09
• Passed: 5/27/09

Caption

Relating to fees charged by a justice of the peace for certain documents in a criminal case.

Impact

The enactment of SB409 could significantly impact the financial interactions between defendants and the justice system by alleviating the monetary burden associated with obtaining critical legal documents. This change could lead to an increase in the accessibility of legal resources for individuals who may already be facing financial hardships due to their legal situations, thereby promoting a more equitable justice system.

Summary

SB409 focuses on amending the Local Government Code to specify which fees a justice of the peace is prohibited from charging in relation to criminal cases. The bill seeks to enhance transparency and fairness by ensuring that certain essential documents provided to criminal defendants, their attorneys, and prosecuting attorneys are free of charge. This amendment emphasizes the importance of accessible legal documentation for individuals navigating the justice system.

Contention

While the bill primarily aims to benefit defendants by waiving fees for certain documents, it may face resistance from local governments or judicial systems that rely on these fees for operational funding. The bill's implementation may also necessitate budget adjustments within local justice systems, potentially causing contention among different stakeholders regarding its financial implications.