Texas House Bill HB1614

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 2/22/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/1/11
• Voted on by House: 4/18/11
• Refer: 3/3/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/12/11
• Report Pass: 3/30/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/19/11
• Engrossed: 4/18/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/26/11
• Report Pass: 5/12/11
• Enrolled: 5/23/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to fees for process server certification.

Impact

By establishing a standardized fee structure, HB1614 intends to ensure that the costs of process server certification are consistent across Texas. This could simplify the compliance process for those seeking certification and reduce the financial burden associated with obtaining and renewing certifications. The bill may also have implications for the Office of Court Administration, allowing it to manage the fee collection process which would then be deposited into the general revenue fund, thereby potentially enhancing state revenues.

Summary

House Bill 1614 addresses the fees associated with process server certification in Texas. The bill proposes that the process server review board established by the state’s supreme court will recommend the fees to be charged for both the certification and renewal of process servers. This recommendation is subject to approval by the supreme court before any fees can be collected, highlighting a centralized approach to fee setting. The bill aims to streamline and regulate the financial aspects of the certification process for process servers throughout the state.

Contention

While the bill seems straightforward, it could raise questions about the adequacy of oversight and the appropriateness of the recommended fees. Stakeholders in the judicial system may have differing opinions regarding the financial implications of these fees on new entrants into the profession. Furthermore, discussions might arise concerning how these fees are determined and the transparency of the process review board's recommendations, especially if the fees are perceived as overly burdensome for potential process servers.