SRC-DPW H.B. 149 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 149 76R2140 GWK-DBy: Keel (Barrientos) Criminal Justice 5/11/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, an individual who files an application for a writ of habeas corpus may also be required to pay a filing fee. This bill would prohibit a clerk of a court from requiring a filing fee from a person who files an application or petition for a writ of habeas corpus. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 149 prohibits the requisition of a filing fee for filing an application or petition for a writ of habeas corpus. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 11, Code of Criminal Procedure, by adding Article 11.051, as follows: Art. 11.051. FILING FEE PROHIBITED. Prohibits a clerk of a court from requiring a filing fee from an individual who files an application or petition for a writ of habeas corpus, notwithstanding any other law. SECTION 2.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.