Texas House Bill HB435

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the maintenance of information entered into a fee record.

Impact

The passage of HB 435 could significantly affect the way courts manage financial obligations imposed in civil cases. By allowing fees to be classified as uncollectible, the bill seeks to reduce the burden on both the court system and individuals who may no longer be liable for debts that have aged significantly. It introduces a more manageable approach to debt recovery in civil litigation, likely improving the efficiency of court administration. Moreover, this bill specifically excludes certain higher courts from this provision, ensuring that it applies primarily to lower courts dealing with civil matters.

Summary

House Bill 435 addresses the maintenance of information related to court costs and fees that have been deemed uncollectible in civil cases. Under this bill, clerks have the authority to request a court finding when fees or costs have remained unpaid for at least 15 years. If a court determines that a particular fee is uncollectible, the fee can be designated as such in official records. This provision aims to streamline the handling of long-standing court costs and prevent indefinite tracking of fees that may never be paid.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 435 appears to be generally positive as it received unanimous support during voting, reflecting a consensus among lawmakers regarding the need for judicial efficiency. This positive reception indicates that there were likely not significant points of contention among legislative members, who may view the bill as a necessary reform to assist courts and individuals alike. The lack of dissent in the voting results, with 141 in favor and none opposed in the House, suggests broad support for the proposed changes.

Contention

While the bill's text did not highlight significant points of contention during discussions, the exclusion of the supreme court and appellate court fees from its purview could indicate a potential area for future debate. Some lawmakers may argue that similar measures should also apply to higher courts, suggesting that the bill may not fully address the broader issue of debt collection across all levels of the judiciary. This aspect could lead to discussions on the consistency of fee management practices in Texas's court system moving forward.