SRC-JLB, LBB S.B. 190 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 190
78R2114 AKH-DBy: Carona
Jurisprudence
2/4/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

In 1993, the 73rd Legislature created a fee not to exceed $5 to be
collected at the time of filing in each civil case in a county court,
county court at law, or district court.  Also, a $5 security fee was
established for defendants convicted of a felony in a district court.
These fees were established to pay for courtroom security and are
collectable from defendants convicted of a felony and at the time of
filing of each civil case filed in a county court, county court at law, or
district court.  Domestic and international threats have caused units of
county government to add security deterrents for the safety of the entire
courthouse complex, such as barricades in front of the entrances to county
buildings so that a vehicle cannot be driven into the building and
additional security patrols.  An increase in the fees would assist the
county in paying for additional security expenses.  As proposed, S.B. 190
would increase the civil case fee from "not to exceed $5" to "not to
exceed $10" and the district court felony offense fee from $5 to $10.  

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 291.008(a), Local Government Code, by
increasing from $5 to $10 the maximum amount to be set as a fee to be
collected at the time of filing in each civil case. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Article 102.017(a), Code of Criminal Procedure,  by
increasing the security fee in criminal cases from $5 to $10. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003   
            Makes application of this Act prospective.