Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1593 by Hinojosa (Relating to providing notice of a required court appearance to a criminal defendant and the defendant's surety.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to require the court to give notice of the appearance date of a defendant who has posted bail to the defendant and the surety on the defendant's bond. The bill would apply only to a bond issued on or after the effective date of the bill, which would be September 1, 2007.
Local Government Impact
The cost to the courts would vary depending on how many defendants and sureties would have to be sent notice. In addition to costs incurred from sending notice, according to information provided by the El Paso County Attorney, a county might incur a revenue loss if notice does not reach the defendant because the result would be exoneration of the bond.