Texas House Bill HB2502

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/8/11
• Refer: 3/14/11

Caption

Relating to the fees collected by district court clerks on the filing of certain civil actions or proceedings to fund basic civil legal services.

Impact

The implementation of HB2502 is significant as it directly affects the funding sources for civil legal services, especially for low-income individuals. By raising these fees, the bill aims to provide a sustainable funding mechanism for legal aid organizations that cater to the legal needs of indigent clients. This legislative change acknowledges the growing demand for legal services and the need for adequate funding to ensure that these services remain accessible to those who require them the most.

Summary

House Bill 2502 pertains to the collection of fees by district court clerks on the filing of certain civil actions or proceedings. The bill seeks to amend existing statutes in the Local Government Code to increase specific filing fees. For instance, it proposes raising the fee for family law cases from $5 to $15 and for other civil cases from $10 to $20. Furthermore, it stipulates additional fees to fund services for indigent legal clients, thereby improving access to basic civil legal services for those unable to afford them.

Sentiment

Sentiment around HB2502 appears generally positive, particularly from advocates for civil legal services who view the proposed fee increases as a necessary step towards ensuring that low-income individuals have access to adequate legal representation. Nonetheless, some concerns have been raised about the potential burden these new fees may impose on individuals already facing financial hardships, which could inadvertently restrict access to legal remedies for the most vulnerable populations.

Contention

Notable points of contention in discussions surrounding the bill revolve around the question of whether increasing court fees is a fair and effective way to fund civil legal services. Critics argue that such fees may create barriers for those seeking justice, particularly in family law cases where individuals often already face significant challenges. Proponents, however, highlight the need for a reliable funding source for legal aid and assert that these modest fee increases are justified in order to better support the judiciary and legal aid services.