BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 4032
85R17973 YDB-F	By: Phillips (Hughes)
	State Affairs
	5/12/2017
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Interested parties contend that the annual maximum reimbursement amount for certain district court reporters engaged in official duties is outdated and needs to be flexible to account for the current expenses associated with fulfilling such a court reporter's duties. H.B. 4032 seeks to address this issue by authorizing certain district court reporters to be reimbursed for expenses in excess of that amount on approval of the county commissioners court.

H.B. 4032 amends current law relating to annual limitations on the reimbursement of expenses incurred by district court reporters.

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. Amends Section 52.055, Government Code, by amending Subsection (d) and adding Subsection (d-1), as follows:

(d) Provides that the expenses reimbursed under this section (Expenses of District Court Reporters) are subject to annual limitations based on the size of the judicial district. Prohibits a court reporter (reporter) except as provided by Subsection (d-1), from receiving more than the maximum reimbursement amount set for the reporter's judicial district in any one year. Sets forth the maximum reimbursement amount.

(d-1) Authorizes the reporter, for expenses that exceed the annual maximum reimbursement amount set for a court reporter's judicial district under Subsection (d), to receive reimbursement from the county for which the expenses were incurred on approval of the commissioners court of the county.

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2017.