By: Thompson of Brazoria, et al. H.B. No. 2902
(Senate Sponsor - Taylor)
(In the Senate - Received from the House May 9, 2013;
May 9, 2013, read first time and referred to Committee on
Intergovernmental Relations; May 17, 2013, reported favorably by
the following vote: Yeas 3, Nays 0; May 17, 2013, sent to printer.)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to lost, damaged, or overdue county library property;
authorizing fines; authorizing a civil penalty.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 323, Local Government Code, is amended
by adding Subchapter D to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER D. LIBRARY FINES; CIVIL PENALTY
Sec. 323.071. LIBRARY FINES. (a) The commissioners court
by order may establish reasonable fines to be collected by a county
library for lost, damaged, or overdue library property.
(b) The fines shall be deposited in the county free library
fund.
Sec. 323.072. ABUSE OF COUNTY LIBRARY SERVICES. (a) The
commissioners court by order may adopt reasonable regulations that
prohibit a person from abusing library services by intentionally
failing to pay a library fine or return library property.
(b) A person who violates a regulation adopted by the county
under this section is liable to the county for a civil penalty of
not more than $100 for each violation. A county may bring suit in a
district or county court to recover a civil penalty authorized by
this subsection.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.
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