Texas Senate Bill SB808

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to county participation in a program for improvement of collection of court costs, fees, and fines imposed in criminal cases.

Impact

The bill modifies Article 103.0033 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to establish clearer guidelines for participation in improving collections. By streamlining the process for counties, it could lead to increased revenues that can be utilized for various local services and improvements. This measure is expected to positively affect state and local budgets, although its long-term effectiveness will depend on the implementation and cooperation of local entities.

Summary

SB808 aims to enhance the collection processes for court costs, fees, and fines imposed in criminal cases at the county level. This bill specifically targets counties with populations above a certain threshold while also exempting smaller counties that have a specific number of confinement facilities. The primary objective of SB808 is to improve revenue collection efficiency regarding criminal fees and court costs, which often go unpaid due to administrative challenges.

Sentiment

Support for SB808 appears to be grounded in a desire for improved financial management across counties, with supporters believing that better collection processes will relieve budgets strained by unpaid fees. However, there may also be concerns about the feasibility of implementation and whether smaller counties and communities, particularly those exempt from the requirements, will still adequately support the system. Overall, the sentiment seems generally positive among legislators prioritizing fiscal responsibility.

Contention

Some notable points of contention may arise around the implications of defining eligibility for counties under the bill's provisions. The delineation of population thresholds and confinement facility requirements might lead to debates about fairness and the equitable distribution of resources for collecting criminal fines. Furthermore, the focus on larger counties could raise questions regarding the adequacy of supports for smaller counties dealing with similar issues despite their exemptions.