By: Wentworth S.B. No. 2030

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to an additional filing fee for civil cases filed in Hays County.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 51, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 51.707 to read as follows:

Sec. 51.707. ADDITIONAL FILING FEE FOR CIVIL CASES IN HAYS COUNTY. (a) This section applies only to district courts, probate courts, county courts at law, and justice courts in Hays County.

(b) Except as otherwise provided by this section and in addition to all other fees authorized or required by other law, the clerk of a court shall collect a filing fee of not more than $15 in each civil case filed in the court to be used for the construction, renovation, or improvement of the facilities that house the Hays County civil courts.

(c) Court fees due under this section shall be collected in the same manner as other fees, fines, or costs are collected in the case.

(d) The clerk shall send the fees collected under this section to the county treasurer or to any other official who discharges the duties commonly assigned to the county treasurer at least as frequently as monthly. The treasurer or other official shall deposit the fees in a special account in the county treasury dedicated to the construction, renovation, or improvement of the facilities that house the courts collecting the fee.

(e) This section applies only to fees for a 12-month period beginning July 1, if the commissioners court:

(1) adopts a resolution authorizing a fee of not more than $15;

(2) adopts a resolution requiring the county to spend one dollar for the construction, renovation, or improvement of the court facilities for each dollar spent from the special account dedicated to that purpose; and

(3) files the resolutions with the county treasurer or with any other official who discharges the duties commonly assigned to the county treasurer not later than June 1 immediately preceding the first 12-month period during which the fees are to be collected.

(f) A resolution adopted under Subsection (e) continues from year to year until July 1, 2022, allowing the county to collect fees under the terms of this section until the resolution is rescinded.

(g) The commissioners court may rescind a resolution adopted under Subsection (e) by adopting a resolution rescinding the resolution and submitting the rescission resolution to the county treasurer or to any other official who discharges the duties commonly assigned to the county treasurer not later than June 1 preceding the beginning of the first day of the county fiscal year. The commissioners court may adopt an additional resolution in the manner provided by Subsection (e) after rescinding a previous resolution under that subsection.

(h) A fee established under a particular resolution is abolished on the earlier of:

(1) the date a resolution adopted under Subsection (e) is rescinded as provided by Subsection (g); or

(2) July 1, 2022.

(i) The county may make the required expenditure described by Subsection (e)(2) at any time, regardless of when the expenditure from the special account occurs.

SECTION 2. Section 101.061, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 101.061. DISTRICT COURT FEES AND COSTS. The clerk of a district court shall collect fees and costs as follows:

(1) filing fee in action with respect to a fraudulent court record or fraudulent lien or claim filed against property (Sec. 12.005, Civil Practice and Remedies Code) . . . $15;

(2) fee for service of notice of action with respect to a fraudulent court record or fraudulent lien or claim filed against property (Sec. 12.005, Civil Practice and Remedies Code) . . . not to exceed $20, if notice delivered in person, or the cost of postage, if service is by registered or certified mail;

(3) court cost in certain civil cases to establish and maintain an alternative dispute resolution system, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 152.004, Civil Practice and Remedies Code) . . . not to exceed $10;

(4) appellate judicial system filing fees for:

(A) First or Fourteenth Court of Appeals District (Sec. 22.2021, Government Code) . . . not more than $5;

(B) Second Court of Appeals District (Sec. 22.2031, Government Code) . . . not more than $5;

(C) Fourth Court of Appeals District (Sec. 22.2051, Government Code) . . . not more than $5;

(D) Fifth Court of Appeals District (Sec. 22.2061, Government Code) . . . not more than $5; and

(E) Thirteenth Court of Appeals District (Sec. 22.2141, Government Code) . . . not more than $5;

(5) additional filing fees:

(A) for each suit filed for insurance contingency fund, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 51.302, Government Code) . . . not to exceed $5;

(B) for each civil suit filed, for court-related purposes for the support of the judiciary and for civil legal services to an indigent:

(i) for family law cases and proceedings as defined by Section 25.0002, Government Code (Sec. 133.151, Local Government Code) . . . $45; or

(ii) for any case other than a case described by Subparagraph (i) (Sec. 133.151, Local Government Code) . . . $50;

(C) to fund the improvement of Dallas County civil court facilities, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 51.705, Government Code) . . . not more than $15; [and]

(D) on the filing of any civil action or proceeding requiring a filing fee, including an appeal, and on the filing of any counterclaim, cross-action, intervention, interpleader, or third-party action requiring a filing fee, to fund civil legal services for the indigent:

(i) for family law cases and proceedings as defined by Section 25.0002, Government Code (Sec. 133.152, Local Government Code) . . . $5; or

(ii) for any case other than a case described by Subparagraph (i) (Sec. 133.152, Local Government Code) . . . $10; and

(E) to fund the improvement of Hays County court facilities, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 51.707, Government Code) . . . not more than $15;

(6) for filing a suit, including an appeal from an inferior court:

(A) for a suit with 10 or fewer plaintiffs (Sec. 51.317, Government Code) . . . $50;

(B) for a suit with at least 11 but not more than 25 plaintiffs (Sec. 51.317, Government Code) . . . $75;

(C) for a suit with at least 26 but not more than 100 plaintiffs (Sec. 51.317, Government Code) . . . $100;

(D) for a suit with at least 101 but not more than 500 plaintiffs (Sec. 51.317, Government Code) . . . $125;

(E) for a suit with at least 501 but not more than 1,000 plaintiffs (Sec. 51.317, Government Code) . . . $150; or

(F) for a suit with more than 1,000 plaintiffs (Sec. 51.317, Government Code) . . . $200;

(7) for filing a cross-action, counterclaim, intervention, contempt action, motion for new trial, or third-party petition (Sec. 51.317, Government Code) . . . $15;

(8) for issuing a citation or other writ or process not otherwise provided for, including one copy, when requested at the time a suit or action is filed (Sec. 51.317, Government Code) . . . $8;

(9) for records management and preservation (Sec. 51.317, Government Code) . . . $10;

(10) for issuing a subpoena, including one copy (Sec. 51.318, Government Code) . . . $8;

(11) for issuing a citation, commission for deposition, writ of execution, order of sale, writ of execution and order of sale, writ of injunction, writ of garnishment, writ of attachment, or writ of sequestration not provided for in Section 51.317, or any other writ or process not otherwise provided for, including one copy if required by law (Sec. 51.318, Government Code) . . . $8;

(12) for searching files or records to locate a cause when the docket number is not provided (Sec. 51.318, Government Code) . . . $5;

(13) for searching files or records to ascertain the existence of an instrument or record in the district clerk's office (Sec. 51.318, Government Code) . . . $5;

(14) for abstracting a judgment (Sec. 51.318, Government Code) . . . $8;

(15) for approving a bond (Sec. 51.318, Government Code) . . . $4;

(16) for a certified copy of a record, judgment, order, pleading, or paper on file or of record in the district clerk's office, including certificate and seal, for each page or part of a page (Sec. 51.318, Government Code) . . . $1;

(17) for a noncertified copy, for each page or part of a page (Sec. 51.318, Government Code) . . . not to exceed $1;

(18) jury fee (Sec. 51.604, Government Code) . . . $30;

(19) for filing a report of divorce or annulment (Sec. 194.002, Health and Safety Code) . . . $1;

(20) for filing a suit in Comal County (Sec. 152.0522, Human Resources Code) . . . $4;

(21) additional filing fee for family protection on filing a suit for dissolution of a marriage under Chapter 6, Family Code, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 51.961, Government Code) . . . not to exceed $30;

(22) fee on filing a suit for dissolution of a marriage for services of child support department in Harris County, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 152.1074, Human Resources Code) . . . not to exceed $12;

(22-a) a child support service fee in Nueces County if ordered by the commissioners court and assessed by the court (Sec. 152.1844, Human Resources Code) . . . not to exceed $5 a month payable annually in advance;

(22-b) a service fee to be paid by a person ordered by a district court to pay child or spousal support:

(A) in Collin County if authorized by the juvenile board (Sec. 152.0492, Human Resources Code) . . . not to exceed $2.50 added to first support payment each month;

(B) in Johnson County if authorized by the juvenile board (Sec. 152.1322, Human Resources Code) . . . $1.00 added to first support payment each month; and

(C) in Montague County (Sec. 152.1752, Human Resources Code) . . . $1 if fee is ordered to be paid monthly, 50 cents if fee is ordered to be paid semimonthly or weekly;

(22-c) attorney's fees as an additional cost in Montague County on a finding of contempt of court for failure to pay child or spousal support if the contempt action is initiated by the probation department (Sec. 152.1752, Human Resources Code) . . . $15;

(23) fee on filing a suit requesting an adoption in Montague County (Sec. 152.1752, Human Resources Code) . . . $25;

(24) court cost on citation for contempt of court for failure to comply with child support order in Nueces County, if authorized by the commissioners court (Sec. 152.1844, Human Resources Code) . . . not to exceed $10;

(25) fee on filing a suit for divorce in Orange County (Sec. 152.1873, Human Resources Code) . . . not less than $5;

(26) court costs on citation for contempt of court in Orange County for failure to comply with a child support order or order providing for possession of or access to a child (Sec. 152.1873, Human Resources Code) . . . amount determined by district clerk;

(27) fee on filing a suit requesting an adoption in Orange County (Sec. 152.1874, Human Resources Code) . . . not less than $25;

(28) fee on filing a suit requesting an adoption in Wichita County (Sec. 152.2496, Human Resources Code) . . . $100;

(29) additional filing fee to fund the courthouse security fund, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 291.008, Local Government Code) . . . not to exceed $5;

(30) additional filing fee for filing documents not subject to certain filing fees to fund the courthouse security fund, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 291.008, Local Government Code) . . . $1;

(31) additional filing fee to fund the courthouse security fund in Webb County, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 291.009, Local Government Code) . . . not to exceed $20;

(32) court cost in civil cases other than suits for delinquent taxes to fund the county law library fund, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 323.023, Local Government Code) . . . not to exceed $35;

(33) when administering a case for the Rockwall County Court at Law (Sec. 25.2012, Government Code) . . . civil fees and court costs as if the case had been filed in district court;

(34) at a hearing held by an associate judge in Dallas County, a court cost to preserve the record, in the absence of a court reporter, by other means (Sec. 54.509, Government Code) . . . as assessed by the referring court or associate judge;

(35) at a hearing held by an associate judge in Duval County, a court cost to preserve the record (Sec. 54.1151, Government Code, as added by Chapter 1150, Acts of the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003) . . . as imposed by the referring court or associate judge;

(36) court fees and costs, if ordered by the court, for a suit filed by an inmate in which an affidavit or unsworn declaration of inability to pay costs is filed by the inmate (Sec. 14.006, Civil Practice and Remedies Code) . . . the lesser of:

(A) 20 percent of the preceding six months' deposits to the inmate's trust account administered by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice under Section 501.014, Government Code; or

(B) the total amount of court fees and costs;

(37) monthly payment for remaining court fees and costs after the initial payment for a suit in which an affidavit or unsworn declaration of inability to pay costs is filed by the inmate (Sec. 14.006, Civil Practice and Remedies Code) . . . the lesser of:

(A) 10 percent of that month's deposit to the inmate's trust account administered by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice under Section 501.014, Government Code; or

(B) the total amount of court fees and costs that remain unpaid;

(38) the following costs not otherwise charged to the inmate under Section 14.006, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, if the inmate has previously filed an action dismissed as malicious or frivolous (Sec. 14.007, Civil Practice and Remedies Code):

(A) expenses of service of process;

(B) postage; and

(C) transportation, housing, or medical care incurred in connection with the appearance of the inmate in the court for any proceeding;

(39) fee for performing a service:

(A) related to the matter of the estate of a deceased person (Sec. 51.319, Government Code) . . . the same fee allowed the county clerk for those services;

(B) related to the matter of a minor (Sec. 51.319, Government Code) . . . the same fee allowed the county clerk for the service;

(C) of serving process by certified or registered mail (Sec. 51.319, Government Code) . . . the same fee a sheriff or constable is authorized to charge for the service under Section 118.131, Local Government Code; and

(D) prescribed or authorized by law but for which no fee is set (Sec. 51.319, Government Code) . . . a reasonable fee;

(40) court costs, which may include expert witness fees in Travis County in an action in which the plaintiff prevails against an insurer for economic damages sustained by the plaintiff as a result of unfair discrimination (Sec. 544.054, Insurance Code) . . . court costs and reasonable and necessary expert witness fees;

(41) security deposit on filing, by any person other than the personal representative of an estate, an application, complaint, or opposition in relation to the estate, if required by the clerk (Sec. 12, Texas Probate Code) . . . probable cost of the proceeding;

(42) security deposit on filing, by any person other than the guardian, attorney ad litem, or guardian ad litem, an application, complaint, or opposition in relation to a guardianship matter, if required by the clerk (Sec. 622, Texas Probate Code) . . . probable cost of the guardianship proceeding; and

(43) fee for filing an additional petition for review of an appraisal review board order relating to certain regulated property running through or operating in more than one county after the first petition for review relating to the same property is filed for a tax year (Sec. 42.221, Tax Code) . . . $5.

SECTION 3. Section 101.081, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 101.081. STATUTORY COUNTY COURT FEES AND COSTS. The clerk of a statutory county court shall collect fees and costs as follows:

(1) court cost in certain civil cases to establish and maintain an alternative dispute resolution system, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 152.004, Civil Practice and Remedies Code) . . . not to exceed $10;

(2) appellate judicial system filing fees:

(A) First or Fourteenth Court of Appeals District (Sec. 22.2021, Government Code) . . . not more than $5;

(B) Second Court of Appeals District (Sec. 22.2031, Government Code) . . . not more than $5;

(C) Fourth Court of Appeals District (Sec. 22.2051, Government Code) . . . not more than $5;

(D) Fifth Court of Appeals District (Sec. 22.2061, Government Code) . . . not more than $5; and

(E) Thirteenth Court of Appeals District (Sec. 22.2141, Government Code) . . . not more than $5;

(3) an official court reporter fee, County Court at Law No. 2 of Bexar County (Sec. 25.0172, Government Code) . . . $3;

(4) a court reporter fee when testimony is taken in a county court at law in McLennan County (Sec. 25.1572, Government Code) . . . $3;

(5) a stenographer fee, if a record or part of a record is made:

(A) in a county court at law in Hidalgo County (Sec. 25.1102, Government Code) . . . $20; and

(B) in a county court at law in Nolan County (Sec. 25.1792, Government Code) . . . $25;

(6) jury fee (Sec. 51.604, Government Code) . . . $22;

(7) an additional filing fee:

(A) for each civil case filed to be used for court-related purposes for the support of the judiciary, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 51.702, Government Code) . . . $40;

(B) to fund the improvement of Dallas County civil court facilities, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 51.705, Government Code) . . . not more than $15; [and]

(C) for filing any civil action or proceeding requiring a filing fee, including an appeal, and on the filing of any counterclaim, cross-action, intervention, interpleader, or third-party action requiring a filing fee, to fund civil legal services for the indigent (Sec. 133.153, Local Government Code) . . . $5; and

(D) to fund the improvement of Hays County court facilities, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 51.707, Government Code) . . . not more than $15;

(8) for filing an application for registration of death (Sec. 193.007, Health and Safety Code) . . . $1;

(9) fee for judge's services on an application for court-ordered mental health services (Sec. 574.031, Health and Safety Code) . . . not to exceed $50;

(10) fee for prosecutor's services on an application for court-ordered mental health services (Sec. 574.031, Health and Safety Code) . . . not to exceed $50;

(11) for filing a suit in Comal County (Sec. 152.0522, Human Resources Code) . . . $4;

(12) additional filing fee to fund contingency fund for liability insurance, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 82.003, Local Government Code) . . . not to exceed $5;

(13) civil court actions (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code):

(A) filing of original action (Secs. 118.052 and 118.053, Local Government Code):

(i) garnishment after judgment (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $15; and

(ii) all others (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $40;

(B) filing of action other than original (Secs. 118.052 and 118.054, Local Government Code) . . . $30; and

(C) services rendered after judgment in original action (Secs. 118.052 and 118.0545, Local Government Code):

(i) abstract of judgment (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $5; and

(ii) execution, order of sale, writ, or other process (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $5;

(14) probate court actions (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code):

(A) probate original action (Secs. 118.052 and 118.055, Local Government Code):

(i) probate of a will with independent executor, administration with will attached, administration of an estate, guardianship or receivership of an estate, or muniment of title (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $40;

(ii) community survivors (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $40;

(iii) small estates (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $40;

(iv) declarations of heirship (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $40;

(v) mental health or chemical dependency services (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $40; and

(vi) additional, special fee (Secs. 118.052 and 118.064, Local Government Code) . . . $5;

(B) services in pending probate action (Secs. 118.052 and 118.056, Local Government Code):

(i) filing an inventory and appraisement after the 120th day after the date of the initial filing of the action (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $25;

(ii) approving and recording bond (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $3;

(iii) administering oath (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $2;

(iv) filing annual or final account of estate (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $25;

(v) filing application for sale of real or personal property (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code). . . $25;

(vi) filing annual or final report of guardian of a person (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $10; and

(vii) filing a document not listed under this paragraph after the filing of an order approving the inventory and appraisement or after the 120th day after the date of the initial filing of the action, whichever occurs first (Secs. 118.052 and 191.007, Local Government Code), if more than 25 pages . . . $25;

(C) adverse probate action (Secs. 118.052 and 118.057, Local Government Code) . . . $40; and

(D) claim against estate (Secs. 118.052 and 118.058, Local Government Code) . . . $2;

(15) other fees (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code):

(A) issuing document (Secs. 118.052 and 118.059, Local Government Code):

(i) original document and one copy (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $4; and

(ii) each additional set of an original and one copy (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $4;

(B) certified papers (Secs. 118.052 and 118.060, Local Government Code):

(i) for the clerk's certificate (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $5; and

(ii) a fee per page or part of a page (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $1;

(C) noncertified papers, for each page or part of a page (Secs. 118.052 and 118.0605, Local Government Code) . . . $1;

(D) letters testamentary, letter of guardianship, letter of administration, or abstract of judgment (Secs. 118.052 and 118.061, Local Government Code) . . . $2;

(E) safekeeping of wills (Secs. 118.052 and 118.062, Local Government Code) . . . $5;

(F) mail service of process (Secs. 118.052 and 118.063, Local Government Code) . . . same as sheriff; and

(G) records management and preservation fee (Secs. 118.052, 118.0546, and 118.0645, Local Government Code) . . . $5;

(16) additional filing fee to fund the courthouse security fund, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 291.008, Local Government Code) . . . not to exceed $5;

(17) additional filing fee for filing documents not subject to certain filing fees to fund the courthouse security fund, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 291.008, Local Government Code) . . . $1;

(18) additional filing fee to fund the courthouse security fund in Webb County, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 291.009, Local Government Code) . . . not to exceed $20;

(19) court cost in civil cases other than suits for delinquent taxes to fund the county law library fund, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 323.023, Local Government Code) . . . not to exceed $35;

(20) fee for deposit of a will with the county clerk during testator's lifetime (Sec. 71, Texas Probate Code) . . . $3;

(21) court cost for each special commissioner in an eminent domain proceeding (Sec. 21.047, Property Code). . . as taxed by the court, $10 or more;

(22) fee for county attorney in a suit regarding a railroad company's failure to keep roadbed and right-of-way in proper condition (Art. 6327, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes) . . . $10;

(23) court fees and costs, if ordered by the court, for a suit filed by an inmate in which an affidavit or unsworn declaration of inability to pay costs is filed by the inmate (Sec. 14.006, Civil Practice and Remedies Code) . . . the lesser of:

(A) 20 percent of the preceding six months' deposits to the inmate's trust account administered by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice under Section 501.014, Government Code; or

(B) the total amount of court fees and costs;

(24) monthly payment for remaining court fees and costs after the initial payment for a suit in which an affidavit or unsworn declaration of inability to pay costs is filed by the inmate (Sec. 14.006, Civil Practice and Remedies Code) . . . the lesser of:

(A) 10 percent of that month's deposit to the inmate's trust account administered by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice under Section 501.014, Government Code; or

(B) the total amount of court fees and costs that remain unpaid;

(25) the following costs not otherwise charged to the inmate under Section 14.006, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, if the inmate has previously filed an action dismissed as malicious or frivolous (Sec. 14.007, Civil Practice and Remedies Code):

(A) expenses of service of process;

(B) postage; and

(C) transportation, housing, or medical care incurred in connection with the appearance of the inmate in the court for any proceeding;

(26) the official court reporter's fee taxed as costs in civil actions in a statutory county court:

(A) in Bexar County Courts at Law:

(i) Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 (Sec. 25.0172, Government Code) . . . taxed in the same manner as the fee is taxed in district court; and

(ii) No. 2 (Sec. 25.0172, Government Code) . . . $3;

(B) in Galveston County (Sec. 25.0862, Government Code) . . . taxed in the same manner as the fee is taxed in civil cases in the district courts; and

(C) in Parker County (Sec. 25.1862, Government Code) . . . taxed in the same manner as the fee is taxed in civil cases in the district courts;

(27) a stenographer's fee as costs in each civil, criminal, and probate case in which a record is made by the official court reporter in a statutory county court in Nolan County (Sec. 25.1792, Government Code) . . . $25;

(28) in Brazoria County, in matters of concurrent jurisdiction with the district court, fees (Sec. 25.0222, Government Code) . . . as prescribed by law for district judges according to the nature of the matter;

(29) in Nueces County, in matters of concurrent jurisdiction with the district court, with certain exceptions, fees (Sec. 25.1802, Government Code) . . . equal to those in district court cases;

(30) security deposit on filing, by any person other than the personal representative of an estate, an application, complaint, or opposition in relation to the estate, if required by the clerk (Sec. 12, Texas Probate Code) . . . probable cost of the proceeding;

(31) security deposit on filing, by any person other than the guardian, attorney ad litem, or guardian ad litem, an application, complaint, or opposition in relation to a guardianship matter, if required by the clerk (Sec. 622, Texas Probate Code) . . . probable cost of the guardianship proceeding;

(32) for a hearing or proceeding under the Texas Mental Health Code (Subtitle C, Title 7, Health and Safety Code) as costs (Secs. 571.017 and 571.018, Health and Safety Code) . . . reasonable compensation to the following persons appointed under the Texas Mental Health Code:

(A) attorneys;

(B) physicians;

(C) language interpreters;

(D) sign interpreters; and

(E) masters;

(33) for a hearing or proceeding under the Texas Mental Health Code (Subtitle C, Title 7, Health and Safety Code) as costs (Sec. 571.018, Health and Safety Code):

(A) attorney's fees;

(B) physician examination fees;

(C) expense of transportation to a mental health facility or to a federal agency not to exceed $50 if transporting within the same county and not to exceed the reasonable cost of transportation if transporting between counties;

(D) costs and salary supplements authorized under Section 574.031, Health and Safety Code; and

(E) prosecutors' fees authorized under Section 574.031, Health and Safety Code;

(34) expenses of transporting certain patients from the county of treatment to a hearing in the county in which the proceedings originated (Sec. 574.008, Health and Safety Code) . . . actual expenses unless certain arrangements are made to hold the hearing in the county in which the patient is receiving services;

(35) expenses for expert witness testimony for an indigent patient (Sec. 574.010, Health and Safety Code) . . . if authorized by the court as reimbursement to the attorney ad litem, court-approved expenses;

(36) fee for judge's services for holding a hearing on an application for court-ordered mental health services (Sec. 574.031, Health and Safety Code) . . . as assessed by the judge, not to exceed $50;

(37) expenses to reimburse judge for holding a hearing in a hospital or location other than the county courthouse (Sec. 574.031, Health and Safety Code) . . . reasonable and necessary expenses as certified;

(38) fee for services of a prosecuting attorney, including costs incurred for preparation of documents related to a hearing on an application for court-ordered mental health services (Sec. 574.031, Health and Safety Code) . . . as assessed by the judge, not to exceed $50; and

(39) a fee not otherwise listed in this section that is required to be collected under Section 25.0008, Government Code (Sec. 25.0008, Government Code), in a county other than Brazos, Cameron, Ellis, Guadalupe, Harris, Henderson, Liberty, Moore, Nolan, Panola, Parker, Starr, Victoria, and Williamson . . . as prescribed by law relating to county judges' fees.

SECTION 4. Section 101.101, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 101.101. STATUTORY PROBATE COURT FEES AND COSTS. The clerk of a statutory probate court shall collect fees and costs as follows:

(1) court cost in certain civil cases to establish and maintain an alternative dispute resolution system, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 152.004, Civil Practice and Remedies Code) . . . not to exceed $10;

(2) appellate judicial system filing fees:

(A) First or Fourteenth Court of Appeals District (Sec. 22.2021, Government Code) . . . not more than $5;

(B) Second Court of Appeals District (Sec. 22.2031, Government Code) . . . not more than $5;

(C) Fourth Court of Appeals District (Sec. 22.2051, Government Code) . . . not more than $5;

(D) Fifth Court of Appeals District (Sec. 22.2061, Government Code) . . . not more than $5; and

(E) Thirteenth Court of Appeals District (Sec. 22.2141, Government Code) . . . not more than $5;

(3) additional filing fees as follows:

(A) for certain cases to be used for court-related purposes for support of the judiciary, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 51.704, Government Code) . . . $40;

(B) to fund the improvement of Dallas County civil court facilities, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 51.705, Government Code) . . . not more than $15; [and]

(C) for filing any civil action or proceeding requiring a filing fee, including an appeal, and on the filing of any counterclaim, cross-action, intervention, interpleader, or third-party action requiring a filing fee to fund civil legal services for the indigent (Sec. 133.153, Local Government Code) . . . $5; and

(D) to fund the improvement of Hays County court facilities, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 51.707, Government Code). . . not more than $15;

(4) for filing an application for registration of death (Sec. 193.007, Health and Safety Code) . . . $1;

(5) fee for judge's services on an application for court-ordered mental health services (Sec. 574.031, Health and Safety Code) . . . not to exceed $50;

(6) fee for prosecutor's services on an application for court-ordered mental health services (Sec. 574.031, Health and Safety Code) . . . not to exceed $50;

(7) additional filing fee to fund contingency fund for liability insurance, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 82.003, Local Government Code) . . . not to exceed $5;

(8) probate court actions (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code):

(A) probate original action (Secs. 118.052 and 118.055, Local Government Code):

(i) probate of a will with independent executor, administration with will attached, administration of an estate, guardianship or receivership of an estate, or muniment of title (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $40;

(ii) community survivors (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $40;

(iii) small estates (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $40;

(iv) declarations of heirship (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $40;

(v) mental health or chemical dependency services (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $40; and

(vi) additional, special fee (Secs. 118.052 and 118.064, Local Government Code) . . . $5;

(B) services in pending probate action (Secs. 118.052 and 118.056, Local Government Code):

(i) filing an inventory and appraisement after the 120th day after the date of the initial filing of the action (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $25;

(ii) approving and recording bond (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $3;

(iii) administering oath (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $2;

(iv) filing annual or final account of estate (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $25;

(v) filing application for sale of real or personal property (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code). . . $25;

(vi) filing annual or final report of guardian of a person (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $10; and

(vii) filing a document not listed under this paragraph after the filing of an order approving the inventory and appraisement or after the 120th day after the date of the initial filing of the action, whichever occurs first (Secs. 118.052 and 191.007, Local Government Code), if more than 25 pages . . . $25;

(C) adverse probate action (Secs. 118.052 and 118.057, Local Government Code) . . . $40; and

(D) claim against estate (Secs. 118.052 and 118.058, Local Government Code) . . . $2;

(9) other fees (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code):

(A) issuing document (Secs. 118.052 and 118.059, Local Government Code):

(i) original document and one copy (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $4; and

(ii) each additional set of an original and one copy (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $4;

(B) certified papers (Secs. 118.052 and 118.060, Local Government Code):

(i) for the clerk's certificate (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $5; and

(ii) a fee per page or part of a page (Sec. 118.052, Local Government Code) . . . $1;

(C) noncertified papers, for each page or part of a page (Secs. 118.052 and 118.0605, Local Government Code) . . . $1;

(D) letters testamentary, letter of guardianship, letter of administration, or abstract of judgment (Secs. 118.052 and 118.061, Local Government Code) . . . $2;

(E) safekeeping of wills (Secs. 118.052 and 118.062, Local Government Code) . . . $5;

(F) mail service of process (Secs. 118.052 and 118.063, Local Government Code) . . . same as sheriff; and

(G) records management and preservation fee (Secs. 118.052 and 118.0645, Local Government Code) . . . $5;

(10) fee for deposit of a will with the county clerk during testator's lifetime (Sec. 71, Texas Probate Code) . . . $3;

(11) court costs for each special commissioner in an eminent domain proceeding (Sec. 21.047, Property Code) . . . as taxed by the court, $10 or more;

(12) jury fee for civil case (Sec. 51.604, Government Code) . . . $22;

(13) court cost in civil cases other than suits for delinquent taxes to fund the county law library fund, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 323.023, Local Government Code) . . . not to exceed $35;

(14) the expense of preserving the record as a court cost, if imposed on a party by the referring court or associate judge (Sec. 54.612, Government Code) . . . actual cost;

(15) security deposit on filing, by any person other than the personal representative of an estate, an application, complaint, or opposition in relation to the estate, if required by the clerk (Sec. 12, Texas Probate Code) . . . probable cost of the proceeding;

(16) security deposit on filing, by any person other than the guardian, attorney ad litem, or guardian ad litem, an application, complaint, or opposition in relation to a guardianship matter, if required by the clerk (Sec. 622, Texas Probate Code) . . . probable cost of the guardianship proceeding;

(17) for a hearing or proceeding under the Texas Mental Health Code (Subtitle C, Title 7, Health and Safety Code) as costs (Secs. 571.017 and 571.018, Health and Safety Code) . . . reasonable compensation to the following persons appointed under the Texas Mental Health Code:

(A) attorneys;

(B) physicians;

(C) language interpreters;

(D) sign interpreters; and

(E) masters;

(18) for a hearing or proceeding under the Texas Mental Health Code (Subtitle C, Title 7, Health and Safety Code) as costs (Sec. 571.018, Health and Safety Code):

(A) attorney's fees;

(B) physician examination fees;

(C) expense of transportation to a mental health facility or to a federal agency not to exceed $50 if transporting within the same county and not to exceed the reasonable cost of transportation if transporting between counties;

(D) costs and salary supplements authorized under Section 574.031, Health and Safety Code; and

(E) prosecutors' fees authorized under Section 574.031, Health and Safety Code;

(19) expenses of transporting certain patients from the county of treatment to a hearing in the county in which the proceedings originated (Sec. 574.008, Health and Safety Code) . . . actual expenses unless certain arrangements are made to hold the hearing in the county in which the patient is receiving services;

(20) expenses for expert witness testimony for an indigent patient (Sec. 574.010, Health and Safety Code) . . . if authorized by the court as reimbursement to the attorney ad litem, court-approved expenses;

(21) fee for judge's services for holding a hearing on an application for court-ordered mental health services (Sec. 574.031, Health and Safety Code) . . . as assessed by the judge, not to exceed $50;

(22) expenses to reimburse judge for holding a hearing in a hospital or location other than the county courthouse (Sec. 574.031, Health and Safety Code) . . . reasonable and necessary expenses as certified;

(23) fee for services of a prosecuting attorney, including costs incurred for preparation of documents related to a hearing on an application for court-ordered mental health services (Sec. 574.031, Health and Safety Code) . . . as assessed by the judge, not to exceed $50; and

(24) a fee not otherwise listed in this section that is required to be collected under Section 25.0029, Government Code (Sec. 25.0029, Government Code) . . . as prescribed by law relating to county judges' fees.

SECTION 5. Section 101.141, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 101.141. JUSTICE COURT AND SMALL CLAIMS COURT FEES AND COSTS. (a) A clerk of a justice court shall collect fees and costs as follows:

(1) additional court cost in certain civil cases to establish and maintain an alternative dispute resolution system, if authorized by the commissioners court of a county with a population of at least 2.5 million (Sec. 152.005, Civil Practice and Remedies Code) . . . not to exceed $3;

(2) additional filing fees:

(A) to fund Dallas County civil court facilities (Sec. 51.705, Government Code) . . . not more than $15; [and]

(B) for filing any civil action or proceeding requiring a filing fee, including an appeal, and on the filing of any counterclaim, cross-action, intervention, interpleader, or third-party action requiring a filing fee, to fund civil legal services for the indigent (Sec. 133.153, Local Government Code) . . . $2; and

(C) to fund the improvement of Hays County court facilities, if authorized by the county commissioners court (Sec. 51.707, Government Code) . . . not more than $15;

(3) for filing a suit in Comal County (Sec. 152.0522, Human Resources Code) . . . $1.50;

(4) fee for hearing on probable cause for removal of a vehicle and placement in a storage facility if assessed by the court (Sec. 685.008, Transportation Code) . . . $20;

(5) court fees and costs, if ordered by the court, for a suit filed by an inmate in which an affidavit or unsworn declaration of inability to pay costs is filed by the inmate (Sec. 14.006, Civil Practice and Remedies Code) . . . the lesser of:

(A) 20 percent of the preceding six months' deposits to the inmate's trust account administered by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice under Section 501.014, Government Code; or

(B) the total amount of court fees and costs;

(6) monthly payment for remaining court fees and costs after the initial payment for a suit in which an affidavit or unsworn declaration of inability to pay costs is filed by the inmate (Sec. 14.006, Civil Practice and Remedies Code) . . . the lesser of:

(A) 10 percent of that month's deposit to the inmate's trust account administered by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice under Section 501.014, Government Code; or

(B) the total amount of court fees and costs that remain unpaid;

(7) the following costs not otherwise charged to the inmate under Section 14.006, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, if the inmate has previously filed an action dismissed as malicious or frivolous (Sec. 14.007, Civil Practice and Remedies Code):

(A) expenses of service of process;

(B) postage; and

(C) transportation, housing, or medical care incurred in connection with the appearance of the inmate in the court for any proceeding; and

(8) the cost of a special program that a court may order a child to attend after a finding that the child committed an offense, if ordered by the court (Art. 45.057, Code of Criminal Procedure) . . . costs of the program not to exceed $100.

(b) A justice of the peace shall collect the following fees:

(1) services rendered before judgment (Secs. 118.121 and 118.122, Local Government Code):

(A) justice court (Sec. 118.121, Local Government Code) . . . $15; and

(B) small claims court (Sec. 118.121, Local Government Code) . . . $10;

(2) services rendered after judgment (Secs. 118.121 and 118.123, Local Government Code):

(A) transcript (Sec. 118.121, Local Government Code) . . . $10;

(B) abstract of judgment (Sec. 118.121, Local Government Code) . . . $5;

(C) execution, order of sale, writ of restitution, or other writ or process (Sec. 118.121, Local Government Code) . . . $5 per page;

(D) certified copy of court papers (Secs. 118.121 and 118.1235, Local Government Code) . . . $2 for first page; $0.25 for each additional page; and

(E) issuing other document (no return required) (Sec. 118.121, Local Government Code) . . . $1 for first page; $0.25 for each additional page;

(3) court fees and costs, if ordered by the court, for a suit filed by an inmate in which an affidavit or unsworn declaration of inability to pay costs is filed by the inmate (Sec. 14.006, Civil Practice and Remedies Code) . . . the lesser of:

(A) 20 percent of the preceding six months' deposits to the inmate's trust account administered by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice under Section 501.014, Government Code; or

(B) the total amount of court fees and costs;

(4) monthly payment for remaining court fees and costs after the initial payment for a suit in which an affidavit or unsworn declaration of inability to pay costs is filed by the inmate (Sec. 14.006, Civil Practice and Remedies Code) . . . the lesser of:

(A) 10 percent of that month's deposit to the inmate's trust account administered by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice under Section 501.014, Government Code; or

(B) the total amount of court fees and costs that remain unpaid; and

(5) the following costs not otherwise charged to the inmate under Section 14.006, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, if the inmate has previously filed an action dismissed as malicious or frivolous (Sec. 14.007, Civil Practice and Remedies Code):

(A) expenses of service of process;

(B) postage; and

(C) transportation, housing, or medical care incurred in connection with the appearance of the inmate in the court for any proceeding.

SECTION 6. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2007.