Texas Senate Bill SB2053

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the distribution of the consolidated court cost.

Impact

The enforcement of SB2053 will significantly affect state laws regarding the distribution of court costs. By establishing a structured allocation system for these revenues, the bill seeks to ensure sustained funding for critical services such as victim compensation, criminal justice planning, and law enforcement training. With these funds being shared across different programs, this bill emphasizes the importance of consistent support for systemic improvements in the judicial process and community safety measures.

Summary

Senate Bill 2053 relates to the distribution of consolidated court costs within the state of Texas. The bill primarily amends Section 133.102(e) of the Local Government Code. It mandates the allocation of court costs received by the state to various accounts and funds historically based on their revenue share, ensuring that each account or fund receives a minimum percentage of the total distribution. This legislation aims to streamline and standardize the financial distribution process of court-related revenues, which can have a profound impact on funding various programs, especially those addressing crime prevention and victim compensation.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB2053 appears to be largely positive, evidenced by the overwhelming support in both legislative chambers, with a vote of 31-0 in the Senate and 145-1 in the House. This reflects a bipartisan agreement on the necessity of ensuring effective financial management within the court systems and the recognition of the bill’s potential benefits for community safety and justice. Critics of the bill, if any, seem to be minimal, indicating a consensus on its positive objectives.

Contention

While there are no significant points of contention reported from the voting history or discussions surrounding SB2053, the bill's implementation could lead to scrutiny regarding the specific allocation percentages and their sufficiency for meeting the needs of various programs. As with any financial legislation, balancing the needs of different sectors within the criminal justice system may be challenging and could lead to debates in future sessions on the adequacy of funding for these critical services.