SRC-JEC, SEW S.B. 201 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 201 By: Carona Intergovernmental Relations 6/6/2001 Enrolled DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, a county tax assessor-collector is authorized to accept payment by credit card and electronic means for certain taxes and fees and to collect a processing and handling fee. S.B. 201 authorizes a county or municipality to collect payment of certain fees by electronic means via the Internet, and to contract with vendors to do so. 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 132, Local Government Code, by adding Section 132.007, as follows: Sec. 132.007. INFORMATION AND PAYMENT THROUGH THE INTERNET. (a) Authorizes a county or municipality to provide through the Internet access to information; or collection of payments for taxes, fines, fees, court costs, or other charges. (b) Authorizes a county or municipality to charge a reasonable fee for providing a service authorized by this section. (c) Sets forth guidelines regarding fees that a county or municipality that provides access to information through the Internet under Subsection (a)(1) is authorized to charge. (d) Authorizes a county or municipality to contract with a vendor to perform a service authorized by Subsection (a). Requires a vendor to promptly submit to the county or municipality all payments collected on behalf of the county or municipality under this section. Requires the county or municipality to approve any fee charged by a vendor for a service performed under this section. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.