BILL ANALYSIS
By: Shapiro
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Currently, electronic filing of court documents is available in district courts, but not for justice of the peace courts. This bill directs the Supreme Court of Texas to change the Rules of Civil Procedure to allow for electronic justice of the peace court filings.
S.B. 237 allows the option for electronic filing of court documents at the justice of the peace court level.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Supreme Court of Texas in SECTION 1 of this bill.
ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 22.004, Government Code, by adding Subsection (f), to require the supreme court to adopt rules for the electronic filing of documents in civil cases in justice of the peace courts.
SECTION 2. Requires the supreme court to adopt the rules required by Section 22.004(f), Government Code, as added by this Act, by January 1, 2008.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Immediately on receipt of required vote; otherwise September 1, 2007.