BILL ANALYSIS


                                                         H.B. 172
                                        By: Thompson (Barrientos)
                                                    Jurisprudence
                                                          5-10-95
                              Senate Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

The fees charged by notaries have been increased once since 1915,
in 1987.  Meanwhile, fees charged to notaries by the secretary of
state's office have been raised by the legislature in 1983, 1985,
and 1987.  These fees were also increased several times prior to
1983.  It has been difficult for many notaries to cover the
numerous recent increases in fees charged to notaries or the rise
in other operating costs based on the 1987 increase alone.  Section
406.024, Government Code, lists maximum fees that may be charged by
notaries.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 172 increases the fees that a notary may charge
for providing notary services.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 406.024(a), Government Code, to set forth
increased fees a notary is authorized to charge for various
services, but does not set forth increased fees for a copy of a
record in the notary public's office or for taking the deposition
of a witness.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1995.
           Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.