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.