Texas Senate Bill SB753

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the production of the index of the parties to all suits by the clerk of a district court.

Impact

The proposed changes to the Government Code would enhance the ability for individuals to access basic information regarding court cases by making the process more efficient. By allowing the clerks to provide electronic copies of the index, SB753 aims to facilitate easier access to this public information for researchers, legal professionals, and the general public alike. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the clerks will charge a fee for these electronic copies, which is expected to be guided by rules set out by the Attorney General, thus introducing a potential revenue stream for district courts.

Summary

Senate Bill 753 proposes amendments to the Government Code concerning the production of the index of parties involved in all suits filed in district courts. The bill mandates that upon request, the clerk of a district court must produce the index or a portion thereof for public inspection or copying, unless the information is legally classified as confidential. This move is designed to increase transparency and accessibility of judicial records, ultimately allowing the public to have better insights into court activities.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding SB753 could arise from the implications of charging fees for access to public court records, which may be viewed as barriers to transparency rather than facilitators. Depending on the costs established, there is concern that these fees could limit access for lower-income individuals who may need to reference court records for legal purposes. Furthermore, while the bill promotes transparency, it also necessitates careful consideration of privacy laws and the protection of sensitive data amid increasing digital access to public records.