Relating to the collection of criminal and civil court costs, fees, and fines by a municipality or county and to notice to the Department of Public Safety regarding payment of an administrative fee by certain persons denied renewal of a driver's license.
Impact
The bill's provisions are expected to significantly impact the statutory framework governing how municipalities and counties handle court costs and fees. Specifically, it mandates that if an audit reveals noncompliance with collection practices, the local government must send 100% of the fees collected to the comptroller until compliance is reestablished. This reinforces accountability and aligns local practices with state regulations, making clear that local entities bear the responsibility for adhering to the outlined collection standards. The bill is designed to take effect on September 1, 2011, applying the changes to collections initiated post-enactment.
Summary
House Bill 1985 aims to streamline the process of collecting criminal and civil court costs, fees, and fines imposed by municipalities and counties in Texas. The legislation amends certain provisions of the Local Government Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure to enhance compliance and efficiency in the collection processes. One of the key components of the bill is the establishment of a program designed to improve in-house collections for eligible cases, alongside measures to recover long-overdue balances. This effort is seen as crucial for reinforcing the financial integrity of local government operations and ensuring that outstanding fees are collected effectively.
Contention
While proponents argue that HB 1985 will lead to more efficient collection of court-related costs and ultimately benefit local government revenue streams, critics may express concerns regarding the potential financial strain this places on municipalities struggling with compliance. The implications of stricter financial oversight could create challenges for local governments if they find themselves unable to meet the compliance standards set forth, potentially leading to monetary losses. Discussions in legislative circles suggest a division between those focused on fiscal responsibility and those advocating for local flexibility in financial management.
Relating to the payment of certain fines and court costs by an inmate during a term of imprisonment or following release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Relating to the payment of certain fines and court costs by an inmate during a term of imprisonment or following release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Relating to youth diversion strategies and procedures for children accused of certain fine-only offenses in municipal and justice courts and related criminal justice matters; authorizing fees.
Relating to youth diversion strategies and procedures for children accused of certain fine-only offenses in municipal and justice courts and related criminal justice matters; authorizing fees.
Relating to a justice or municipal court's authority to order a defendant confined in jail for failure to pay a fine or cost or for contempt and to the authority of a municipality to enforce the collection of certain fines by imprisonment of the defendant.
Relating to the regulation and voluntary licensing of reroofing contractors by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to the transfer of the regulation of property tax professionals from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to the comptroller of public accounts; providing civil and administrative penalties.
Relating to the abolishment of the Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities and the transfer of its functions to the Texas Workforce Commission.
Relating to the abolishment of the Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities and the transfer of its functions to the comptroller of public accounts.
Relating to a Pan American Games trust fund, an Olympic Games trust fund, a Major Events trust fund, a Motor Sports Racing trust fund, and an Events trust fund for sporting and non-sporting events, and to the abolishment of the special event trust fund.