BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                              S.B. 237

                                                                                                                                         By: Shapiro

                                                                                                                                              Judiciary

                                                                                                       Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

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.