AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, Section 51.607(c), Government Code, requires that all new criminal court costs that are imposed during a legislative session become effective on January 1 of the following year. However, there is an exception to this general rule in Section 51.607(d) (relating to exemptions to court costs). This exception complicates an already confusing criminal court cost structure by requiring court clerks to charge different costs during various times based on the time of year.
S.B. 390 enacts a recommendation of the Texas Judicial Council to repeal the exception found in Section 51.607(d), Government Code, so that all new legislatively enacted criminal costs become effective on January 1st.
S.B. 390 amends current law relating to the effective date of a new court cost or fee or of an amendment to the amount of a court cost or fee.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Repealer: Section 51.607(d) (relating to exemptions to court costs), Government Code.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2013.