80R10839 PEP-D
 
  By: Dukes, et al. H.B. No. 371
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study regarding the conversion of certain Class C
misdemeanors to civil infractions.
       BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
       SECTION 1.  (a)  The Office of Court Administration of the
Texas Judicial System shall conduct a study to determine the
feasibility, efficiency, and potential cost savings of converting
certain Class C misdemeanors to civil infractions. In conducting
the study, the office shall examine:
             (1)  which Class C misdemeanors are appropriate to
convert to civil infractions; and
             (2)  which civil collections procedures involving
judicial oversight could be used to collect fines, court costs, and
fees on the civil infractions.
       (b)  For input regarding the study, the Office of Court
Administration of the Texas Judicial System:
             (1)  shall consult with county and municipal court
judges, justices of the peace, the Department of Public Safety, the
Parks and Wildlife Department, and the Texas District and County
Attorneys Association; and
             (2)  may consult with any other appropriate agency or
organization.
       (c)  Not later than October 1, 2008, the Office of Court
Administration of the Texas Judicial System shall file a report
containing the results of the study and recommendations for
legislation with the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker
of the house of representatives, and the chairs of the standing
committees of the senate and house of representatives with
jurisdiction over the judicial system.
       SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.