BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 525

By: Vasut

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

State law does not require state courts to deliver electronic notice of the signing of court orders to parties to the case, though some jurisdictions have adopted local systems or procedures to notify parties of the entry of orders. Instead, counsel in many jurisdictions must actively monitor the court's docket to confirm when orders are entered. This can present issues regarding proper notice of and compliance with binding orders of the court. H.B. 525 seeks to ensure parties are timely notified of the entry of orders in their cases by requiring certain courts to deliver all orders entered for the case through the statewide electronic filing system.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 525 amends the Government Code to require a statutory county court, district court, or appellate court to deliver through the electronic filing system established by the Texas Supreme Court all court orders the court enters for the case to all parties in each case in which the use of such a system is required or authorized.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.