BILL ANALYSIS


                                                        H.B. 3165
                                      By: Cuellar, H. (Zaffirini)
                                                    Jurisprudence
                                                          5-17-95
                              Senate Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

Concern has been raised about the safety of the public and county
employees due to various recent threats at the Webb County Justice
Center.

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3165 authorizes an additional fee to be set by
the Webb County Commissioners Court for collection in each civil
case filed in the county court, county court at law, or district
court for expanded security measures to be installed in the Webb
County Justice Center.

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 Chapter 291, Local Government Code, by adding
Section 291.009, as follows:

     Sec. 291.009.  WEBB COUNTY SECURITY FEE.  (a) Authorizes the
     Webb County Commissioners to set a fee of up to $20 to be
     collected at the time of filing in each civil case filed in
     the county court, a county court at law, or a district court
     in Webb County (fee).  Requires the fee to be taxed as other
     costs.  Provides that the county is not liable for the costs.
     
     (b) Requires the fee to be taxed and collected as a cost of
       court against each nonprevailing party in any civil case
       brought by the state or a political subdivision in which the
       state or subdivision is the prevailing party.
       
       (c) Requires the clerks of the respective courts to collect
       the costs under Subsections (a) and (b).
       
       (d) Requires the costs and fees collected to be paid to the
       county treasurer, or to any official discharging the county
       treasurer's duties, for deposit in a special fund to be used
       by the commissioners court only for courthouse security.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1995.
           Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.