TX
Texas Senate Bill SB726

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB726

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
4/11/11  
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the judicial access and improvement account to provide funding for basic civil legal services, indigent defense, and judicial technical support through certain county service fees and court costs imposed to fund the account.

Impact

If enacted, SB726 would amend several sections of the Government Code, resulting in the establishment of a financial mechanism that channels resources directly into legal and judicial support services. Specifically, it intends to allocate 70% of the remaining funds in the Judicial Access and Improvement Account to basic civil legal services for indigent individuals, while the remaining 30% would support the fair defense account. This could have a significant effect on access to justice for low-income communities, potentially improving representation and access to legal resources.

Summary

Senate Bill 726 aims to create the Judicial Access and Improvement Account, a dedicated fund to enhance support for civil legal services, indigent defense, and judicial technical improvements. The funding for this account is proposed to come from specific court costs and service fees collected by county courts. The bill stipulates that a portion of the funds collected will be allocated for electronic filing and retrieval systems to modernize court operations, which is increasingly necessary in today's digital legal environment.

Contention

However, discussions surrounding SB726 indicate some concerns, particularly regarding the fairness and adequacy of funding for legal services. Critics argue that reliance on court costs and fees could disproportionately affect individuals already facing financial hardship due to legal issues. Additionally, there could be contention regarding the effectiveness of the proposed funding structure, specifically the distribution of funds between civil and criminal legal services. Opponents are worried that the bill may not sufficiently address the needs of the most vulnerable populations in Texas, suggesting that a more holistic approach to funding might be necessary.

Companion Bills

TX HB2174

Similar Relating to funding for basic civil legal services, indigent defense, and judicial technical support through certain fees and court costs and to the establishment of the judicial access and improvement account.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1528

Relating to magistration proceedings for criminal defendants and the retention of related records, to services and representation provided to indigent criminal defendants and indigent juveniles, and to the governance and administration of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission.

TX HB409

Relating to the governance and administration of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and to certain disclosures made in relation to the provision of funding for indigent defense services.

TX HB3474

Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures regarding proceedings in the judicial branch of state government, including the service of process and delivery of documents related to the proceedings, the administration of oaths, and the management of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, and the composition of certain juvenile boards; establishing a civil penalty; increasing certain court costs; authorizing fees.

TX HB937

Relating to the establishment of the inmate legal services office and to the appointment and compensation of certain legal counsel for certain indigent inmates and other persons in secure correctional facilities.

TX HB1182

Relating to judicial statistics and other pertinent information gathered by the Texas Judicial Council and certain populous counties.

TX HB4703

Relating to the operation and administration of and practice in and grants provided by courts in the judicial branch of state government.

TX HB9

Relating to the development and funding of broadband and telecommunications services.

TX SB1

Relating to the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX HB1308

Relating to the establishment of a constable's department civil service system in certain counties; creating a criminal offense.

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.

Similar Bills

TX HB1524

Relating to correcting outdated references to the Texas Building and Procurement Commission.

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

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.

TX SB633

Relating to certain event trust funds and the abolishment of the special event trust fund.