Texas Senate Bill SB390

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the effective date of a new court cost or fee or of an amendment to the amount of a court cost or fee.

Impact

The enactment of SB390 will specifically affect the statutory framework governing court costs and fees in the state of Texas. By clarifying the effective date of any new fees or amendments, the legislation seeks to enhance the predictability and transparency of court-related financial requirements. It also aims to prevent ambiguities that could lead to disputes or confusion regarding the application of these fees. Overall, the bill is designed to improve the operational efficiency within the judicial system concerning court fees.

Summary

SB390 aims to clarify and regulate the effective date of new court costs or fees and any amendments to the amounts of existing court costs or fees. The bill repeals Subsection (d) from Section 51.607 of the Government Code, which previously governed how changes to court fees and costs took effect. The intent behind this legislation is to streamline the application of court fees and ensure that the modifications to these costs are effectively implemented in a timely manner following their passage.

Contention

During the discussions surrounding SB390, notable points of contention emerged regarding the potential implications for the judicial system and budgetary considerations for local governments. Some legislators expressed concerns that repealing the previous subsection could lead to a lack of oversight regarding the imposition and amendment of court fees, potentially placing additional financial burdens on individuals seeking legal recourse. Others argued that the repeal was necessary to modernize the processing of fees and costs, thereby relieving administrative burdens on the court system.