SRC-JBJ H.B. 3498 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3498
By: Thompson (West, Royce)
Jurisprudence
5/11/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The general perception among many people involved in the criminal justice
system is that very few criminal defendants are financially able to pay
fines and costs. This perception is being altered by innovative and
aggressive collections programs that are proving that a majority of
criminal defendants have greater resources to meet financial
responsibilities than is usually assumed.  H.B. 3498 sets forth provisions
regarding the preparation and funding for collection improvement plans. 

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 Chapter 103, Code of Criminal Procedure, by adding
Article 103.0032, as follows: 

Art. 103.0032.  COLLECTION IMPROVEMENT PLANS.  Sets forth provisions
regarding the preparation of and funding for collection improvement plans. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.
 
SECTION 3.  Requires each commissioners court and each governing body of a
municipality to file the first collection improvement plan required by
Article 103.0032, Code of Criminal Procedure, as added by this Act, not
later than January 1, 2002.