Texas House Bill HB3003

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/30/11
• Introduced: 3/10/11
• Voted on by House: 4/27/11
• Refer: 3/17/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/19/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/25/11
• Engrossed: 4/27/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 5/3/11
• Enrolled: 5/26/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the issuance of an identification card to certain individuals to permit entrance into certain county buildings without passing through security services.

Impact

The enactment of HB3003 would modify current regulations related to the entrance of county buildings, potentially reducing wait times and improving access for individuals who may need to attend court sessions or access other county services. The bill allows counties to determine the issuance process and establish fees for non-county employees obtaining these identification cards. As such, it gives local governments the authority to manage these processes, which may lead to variations in implementation based on local governance standards and resource availability.

Summary

House Bill 3003 proposes the issuance of a specific identification card that would allow certain individuals to enter designated county buildings without the requirement to pass through security services. This bill is particularly relevant for individuals needing access to buildings housing justice courts, county courts, county courts at law, or district courts, thereby streamlining entry processes for these facilities. The legislation targets counties with populations of 2.8 million or more, suggesting a focus on larger urban areas where security protocols may be more stringent and where access can be more challenging for residents wishing to engage with county services.

Contention

While the bill seems aimed at improving efficiency and accessibility, potential points of contention may arise regarding security concerns. Critics might argue that allowing individuals to bypass standard security protocols could pose risks in terms of safety and security within these public buildings. Additionally, there might be debates over the fairness of fees set for these identification cards and how they could impact community access, especially for lower-income individuals who may be deterred by costs, thereby impacting equitable access to public services.