Texas Senate Bill SB490

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/30/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/2/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/12/09
• Voted on by House: 5/25/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/26/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to money paid into the registry of a court in certain counties.

Impact

The implications of SB490 could result in enhanced clarity and efficiency in how court funds are managed in larger counties. By establishing a more accessible population criterion for applying specific provisions in the Local Government Code, the bill aims to address potential inconsistencies in fund management practices. This change may resonate positively with legal practitioners and administrative bodies operating within those populous counties, potentially ensuring better oversight and accountability of court registry funds.

Summary

SB490 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending the Local Government Code, specifically concerning the handling of court registry funds within counties of significant population. The proposed changes are applicable to counties with populations of 2.2 million or more, reducing the threshold from 2.4 million. This adjustment in the law is intended to streamline the management of funds deposited into court registries, which may include moneys related to legal disputes, settlements, or other court-related financial transactions.

Contention

While the bill's intentions appear geared towards improving regulatory clarity, the adjustment to the population threshold could spark debate regarding the decision to centralize more control over funds in larger counties. Critics might argue that this centralization could diminish local governance in terms of financial management of court registries, leading to concerns about inequities experienced by smaller or less populous counties. Opponents may also raise questions about whether such a change is necessary or if it inadvertently complicates existing local procedures, raising issues of efficiency versus increased bureaucracy.