Texas Senate Bill SB933

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/11/11
• Introduced: 2/24/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/28/11
• Refer: 3/8/11
• Report Pass: 4/11/11
• Engrossed: 4/28/11
• Refer: 4/29/11

Caption

Relating to the electronic submission of certain documents to the attorney general and the submission of certain documents by the attorney general; imposing certain fees.

Impact

The bill authorizes the Attorney General to impose a nonrefundable administrative convenience fee for the electronic submission of documents. This fee is aimed at generating revenue to support the costs associated with the e-filing system. The implementation of such fees can create a financial barrier for some entities, particularly smaller governments or organizations, which may struggle with additional costs related to governmental procedures.

Summary

SB933 is a legislative bill aimed at modernizing the procedures for submitting documents to the Texas Attorney General by introducing an electronic submission system. The bill stipulates that individuals and governmental bodies can submit documents electronically, which will then be considered submitted in a timely manner as long as they are sent through the designated electronic filing system. This modernization reflects a growing trend toward digital governance, which can enhance the efficiency of document handling in government offices.

Contention

While proponents of SB933 argue that the bill will streamline processes and reduce waiting times for document handling within the Attorney General's office, there are concerns regarding the imposition of fees. Critics may question whether the introduction of electronic submission and related costs aligns with principles of accessibility and transparency in government. Furthermore, the requirement for electronic submission could create challenges for those without easy access to technology, potentially leading to inequities in how different entities can interact with the office of the Attorney General.