Honorable Jim Jackson, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB627 by Woolley (Relating to a fee collected by a district clerk for certain electronic certified copies.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code to permit a district court clerk to collect a fee for an electronic certified copy not to exceed $1 per page or for part of a page that would be retained by the county.
Local Government Impact
There could be a positive fiscal impact from additional revenue resulting from the new fee that would vary depending on the number of electronic copies made by a district court; however, the amount is not anticipated to be significant.
Comal County and Travis County reported there would be no fiscal impact.
According to the Comptroller of Public Accounts, counties reported a one-time setup expense in fiscal year (FY) 2011, but would receive additional revenue in subsequent fiscal years.
Henderson County estimated a cost of $4,750 for FY 2011 to implement the system, and an annual software maintenance fee of $1,000. In FY 2012 there would be an estimated revenue gain of $15,000 and $25,000 in subsequent fiscal years.
Fort Bend County estimated a cost of $2,400 for FY 2011 to implement the system ($5,000 setup expense less $2,600 prorated revenue gain). In FY 2012 and 2013 there would be an estimated revenue gain of $31,200 and $62,400 in subsequent fiscal years.
Titus County reported a cost of $333 for FY 2011 to implement the system, and a revenue gain of $2,000 in subsequent fiscal years.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts