SRC-JEC H.B. 3162 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3162
77R9657 JMG-FBy: Brown, Fred (Ogden)
Intergovernmental Relations
5/6/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Current law is ambiguous regarding the collection of a fee by a
municipality for the collection of fees, fines, court costs, and other
charges via credit card. H.B. 3162 authorizes municipalities to accept
payment of fees, fines, court costs, and other charges by credit card or
other electronic means without charging an additional fee for providing the
service.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency.  

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 132.002, Local Government Code, by adding
Subsection (c) and redesignating subsequent subsections, to authorize the
governing body of a municipality to authorize the acceptance of payment by
credit card without requiring collection of a fee. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.