BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 2975 By: Hamric May 2, 1995 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Harris County began a public guardianship program in 1992. Before this program was established, each ward maintained a separate bank account. The county combined the balances for efficiency and economy reasons. A single account in the county depository eliminated many excessive bank fees and accrues overnight interest. PURPOSE The purpose of this legislation is to allow the commissioners court to collect a portion of the interest accrued by each account to compensate the county for maintaining the account. This legislation allows the county to retain an amount not to exceed $10 each month. If the account earns no interest, then there are no fees collected. 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 SECTION 1. Amends Section 855, Texas Probate Code, by adding Subsection (g). This Subsection (g) allows the county, when serving as a guardian of the estate of a ward, to deposit funds of the ward's estate into the county depository. If the account earns interest, the county may retain a portion of the interest, up to $10 per month, as compensation for maintaining the account. SECTION 2. Emergency Clause - Effective immediately. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION H.B. 2975 was considered by the Civil Practices Committee in a public hearing on April 5, 1995. The following individuals testified in support of the bill: Leonard Spearman, Jr., representing Harris County Judge Robert Eckels. No one testified in opposition to or neutrally on the bill. The bill was referred to a subcommittee consisting of Representatives: Moffat (chair), Hartnett and Zbranek. After being recalled from subcommittee, the bill was considered by the committee in a formal meeting on May 1, 1995. The bill was reported favorably, without amendment, with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed and be sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars, by a record vote of six ayes, zero nays, zero pnv and three absent.