SRC-JEC C.S.H.B. 249 78(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 249 78R785 MI-FBy: Goolsby (Madla) Intergovernmental Relations 5/21/2003 Committee Report (Substituted) DIGEST AND PURPOSE Most county officers are currently allowed to set and collect a fee of $15 to $30 for a returned check, but a county clerk can only charge $15 to $25. C.S.H.B. 249 authorizes a county clerk to set and collect a fee up to $30 for a returned check. The bill also authorizes any holder of a dishonored check to charge the drawer or endorser a processing fee of not more than $30, rather than $25. 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 3.506(a), Business & Commerce Code, to authorize a holder, holder's assignee, agent, or representative, or any other person retained by the holder to seek collection of the face value of a dishonored check, on return of a check to the holder following dishonor of the check, to charge the drawer or endorser a reasonable processing fee of not more than $30, rather than $25. SECTION 2. Amends Section 118.011(b), Local Government Code, to authorize a county clerk to set and collect a returned check fee of not less than $15 or more than $30, rather than $25. SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2003.