Texas Senate Bill SB30

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

• Filed: 7/18/25

Caption

Relating to excess contributions and fees allocated to statutory probate courts.

Impact

The bill aims to ensure that counties that contribute more to the judicial fund than they receive are compensated fairly. This change is intended to create a balanced system in which funds are allocated based on contributions, potentially increasing the financial viability of probate courts across Texas. The amendments may lead to changes in the way court expenses are funded, enhancing transparency in financial operations related to probate court fees.

Summary

Senate Bill 30 addresses the allocation of excess contributions and fees collected by statutory probate courts in Texas. The bill amends Section 25.00212 of the Government Code to establish a more equitable distribution of funds to counties that contribute significantly to the judicial fund. Specifically, it mandates the Comptroller to determine the total fees deposited by statutory probate courts and to remit any excess amounts to counties that contributed more than they received under existing guidelines.

Contention

There might be points of contention surrounding the implications of how fees are collected and redistributed among counties. Critics may argue about the fairness of the allocation process and whether it adequately addresses the needs of all counties, particularly those with fewer financial resources. Additionally, there may be concerns about the administrative burden on the Comptroller's office to accurately track and distribute these funds and the overall fiscal impact on the state's budget.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 25. Statutory County Courts
  • Section: 00212
  • Section: 0022

Local Government Code

• Chapter 133. Criminal And Civil Fees Payable To The Comptroller
  • Section: 151