By: Ellis S.B. No. 1602
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the membership fee collected by the supreme court from
members of the state bar.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 81.054, Government Code, is amended by
adding subsection (f) as follows:
(f) The fees set by the supreme court in subsection (a)
shall include a fee of not less than $65.00 for the provision of
civil legal services to the indigent. Fees collected under this
subsection shall be distributed to programs approved by the supreme
court that provide civil legal services to the indigent. The
supreme court shall annually review the membership fee to determine
whether the fee is sufficient to support the needs of indigent
individuals unable to obtain judicial access and related legal
services. In conducting its annual review, the supreme court shall
review recommendations of the Texas Access to Justice Commission
regarding priority unmet legal needs that restrict access to
justice for indigent persons.
SECTION 2. This act takes effect September 1, 2003.