TX
Texas House Bill HB1985

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB1985

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
4/21/11  
Introduced
3/1/11  
Voted on by House
5/6/11  
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2646

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.

TX SB2296

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.

TX HB3186

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.

TX SB1505

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.

TX HB303

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.

TX SB1612

Relating to court administration and costs; increasing certain court costs; authorizing fees.

TX HB291

Relating to occupational driver's licenses and to the renewal of driver's licenses.

TX HB3890

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.

TX SB1921

Relating to the payment of certain fines and costs by a defendant.

TX HB2843

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.

Similar Bills

TX HB1524

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TX SB2208

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.

TX SB212

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.

TX HB1989

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.

NJ ACR95

Proposes amendment to State Constitution to provide for elected State Comptroller and eliminate Office of State Auditor.

NJ ACR104

Proposes amendment to State Constitution to provide for elected State Comptroller and eliminate Office of State Auditor.

TX HB3613

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TX SB633

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