BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 2509 By: Hunter, B. April 11, 1995 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Currently, county governments are authorized to enter into agreements with public or private vendors for the provision of collection services for fines, fees, restitution, and other costs ordered to be paid by a court serving the county. Cities are not given this expresss authority. PURPOSE This legislation will provide cities and counties with the express authority to enter into agreements with public or private vendors to: contact persons with outstanding court cases and to coordinate payments and provide for the collection of fines, fees, restitution 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. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amend Article 103.0031, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to give express permission to cities and counties to contract with a public of private vendor to: 1. Contact persons with outstanding court cases in the city or county; and 2. Coordinate payments and provide for the collection of fines, fees, restitution, and other costs ordered to be paid by a court serving the county or municipality. SECTION 2. Emergency Clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION HB 2509 was considered by the committee in a public hearing on April 3, 1995. The following people testified in favor of the bill: Rep. Hunter; Thomas M. Giamboi, representing himself and Municipal Services Bureau; and Ron Zimmerman, representing himself and the Austin Municipal Court Clerk's Office. The bill was reported favorably without amendment with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 1 pnv, and 1 absent.