Texas House Bill HB2945

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/26/11
• Introduced: 3/10/11
• Refer: 3/17/11
• Report Pass: 4/21/11

Caption

Relating to the promotion of efficiencies in and the administration of certain district court and county services and functions.

Impact

If passed, HB 2945 would amend the existing Code of Criminal Procedure, allowing for improved execution of processes involving county jailers. This change would effectively expand the roles and responsibilities of jailers, potentially allowing them to handle a broader range of legal documents and actions that were previously exclusive to peace officers. The introduction of electronic filing will ease the administrative load on clerks and enhance the public's ability to interact with the court system from remote locations.

Summary

House Bill 2945 seeks to enhance the efficiency of certain district court and county services in Texas. The bill introduces multiple amendments across various codes aimed at modernizing processes, including allowing county clerks to accept electronic filings for certain required records. Additionally, the bill proposes procedures for county jailers, mirroring the authority of peace officers in executing lawful processes. Such measures are expected to streamline operations within the justice system, making them more accessible and efficient for both administrators and the public.

Contention

While the bill appears to promote efficiency, there might be points of contention regarding the delegation of additional responsibilities to jailers. Concerns may arise over the adequate training and oversight required to ensure that jailers perform these extended duties effectively and in compliance with the law. Furthermore, there might be apprehensions regarding the potential for increased administrative burdens on county employees as they adapt to new electronic filing systems and protocols. As with any legislative change, balancing enhanced efficiency with the maintenance of proper oversight and accountability will be crucial.