LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION May 13, 2013 TO: Honorable Tryon D. Lewis, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence FROM: Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE:SB1891 by Watson (Relating to the imposition of an additional fee for filing civil cases in certain Travis County courts.), As Engrossed No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. The bill would amend the Government Code to authorize clerks of the district and probate courts, and county courts at law in Travis County to collect a filing fee of not more than $15 in each civil case filed to be used for the construction, renovation, or improvement of facilities that house the Travis County civil courts. The fees would begin October 1, if the commissioners court adopts a resolution authorizing the fee; adopts a resolution requiring the county to spend one dollar for each dollar spent from the special dedicated account; and files the resolutions with the county treasurer or other official not later than September 1. The bill would require the fee to be abolished either when the resolution is rescinded or by October 1, 2028, whichever is earlier. According to the Office of Court Administration, none of the proposed filing fee would be directed to the State; therefore, no significant fiscal impact on the State. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all members elected to each house. If the bill does not receive the votes required to pass, the bill would take effect September 1, 2013. Local Government Impact The Comptroller of Public Accounts contacted Travis County to determine the potential fiscal impact of the bill on the County. Travis County stated the bill would generate $360,180 per year in revenue for fiscal years 2014-18 if the $15 fee is imposed. Travis County also stated that there would be no start-up costs or new technology costs assuming 24,012 cases per year are filed. Travis County would implement the fee change on October 1 when its fiscal year begins. Source Agencies:212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts LBB Staff: UP, CL, TP, JJO
LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
May 13, 2013
TO: Honorable Tryon D. Lewis, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence FROM: Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE:SB1891 by Watson (Relating to the imposition of an additional fee for filing civil cases in certain Travis County courts.), As Engrossed
TO: Honorable Tryon D. Lewis, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM: Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE: SB1891 by Watson (Relating to the imposition of an additional fee for filing civil cases in certain Travis County courts.), As Engrossed
Honorable Tryon D. Lewis, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Honorable Tryon D. Lewis, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
SB1891 by Watson (Relating to the imposition of an additional fee for filing civil cases in certain Travis County courts.), As Engrossed
SB1891 by Watson (Relating to the imposition of an additional fee for filing civil cases in certain Travis County courts.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code to authorize clerks of the district and probate courts, and county courts at law in Travis County to collect a filing fee of not more than $15 in each civil case filed to be used for the construction, renovation, or improvement of facilities that house the Travis County civil courts. The fees would begin October 1, if the commissioners court adopts a resolution authorizing the fee; adopts a resolution requiring the county to spend one dollar for each dollar spent from the special dedicated account; and files the resolutions with the county treasurer or other official not later than September 1. The bill would require the fee to be abolished either when the resolution is rescinded or by October 1, 2028, whichever is earlier. According to the Office of Court Administration, none of the proposed filing fee would be directed to the State; therefore, no significant fiscal impact on the State. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all members elected to each house. If the bill does not receive the votes required to pass, the bill would take effect September 1, 2013.
The bill would amend the Government Code to authorize clerks of the district and probate courts, and county courts at law in Travis County to collect a filing fee of not more than $15 in each civil case filed to be used for the construction, renovation, or improvement of facilities that house the Travis County civil courts. The fees would begin October 1, if the commissioners court adopts a resolution authorizing the fee; adopts a resolution requiring the county to spend one dollar for each dollar spent from the special dedicated account; and files the resolutions with the county treasurer or other official not later than September 1. The bill would require the fee to be abolished either when the resolution is rescinded or by October 1, 2028, whichever is earlier.
According to the Office of Court Administration, none of the proposed filing fee would be directed to the State; therefore, no significant fiscal impact on the State. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all members elected to each house. If the bill does not receive the votes required to pass, the bill would take effect September 1, 2013.
Local Government Impact
The Comptroller of Public Accounts contacted Travis County to determine the potential fiscal impact of the bill on the County. Travis County stated the bill would generate $360,180 per year in revenue for fiscal years 2014-18 if the $15 fee is imposed. Travis County also stated that there would be no start-up costs or new technology costs assuming 24,012 cases per year are filed. Travis County would implement the fee change on October 1 when its fiscal year begins.
Source Agencies: 212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts
LBB Staff: UP, CL, TP, JJO
UP, CL, TP, JJO