Texas House Bill HB686

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to making permanent the former temporary increases in records archive fees and records management and preservation fees charged by district and county clerks.

Impact

If passed, HB 686 will have a direct financial impact on individuals seeking to file various legal actions within Texas. The proposed alterations to the fees include raising the district court records archiving fee from $5 to $10 and implementing changes in the records management and preservation fees as well. This change is expected to generate additional revenue for the counties, which can be used for the benefits of maintaining important judicial records and may also enable improvements in technology and infrastructure related to record keeping.

Summary

House Bill 686 proposes to make permanent the previously temporary increases in records archive fees and records management and preservation fees that are currently charged by district and county clerks in Texas. This bill aims to stabilize the funding necessary for the maintenance and preservation of court records. The bill amends sections of the Government Code to set maximum fees that can be charged to individuals filing suits and for certain other judicial processes. It clarifies that these fees must be adopted as part of the county's annual budget and approved in a public meeting.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 686 appears to be pragmatic. Proponents argue that the increases are necessary to ensure that vital records are properly maintained and that the judicial system has the resources it needs to function efficiently. However, there are concerns among critics regarding the added financial burden on individuals seeking legal recourse, which could be viewed as a deterrent to accessing the judicial system. Nonetheless, advocates for court administration highlight the necessity of these fees for preserving public records.

Contention

The primary point of contention in the discussions about HB 686 revolves around the debate between the necessity of public funding for court systems versus the financial burden imposed on citizens. There is a concern that increasing fees might disproportionately affect individuals with lower incomes who already face barriers when accessing the judicial system. While the bill addresses important administrative needs, some voices caution that raising fees continuously may complicate citizens' engagement with legal processes, echoing ongoing discussions about the accessibility of the justice system.