Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2586 by Thompson, Senfronia (Relating to the electronic filing of bail bonds.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure allowing a county to electronically file bail bonds on a statewide system. The bill would allow the county to establish an electronic filing system, provided that such a system requires the use of a digital signature, includes certain security protocols, and allows a corporate surety to file a power of attorney through the implementation of a digital power of attorney system.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2017.
The Office of Court Administration anticipates no significant fiscal impact on the state court system.
Local Government Impact
According to Colin County no significant fiscal impact is anticipated from the bill.
According to Harris County, if the county were to comply with the bill by using the existing electronic system the bill would cost the county $250,000 to $500,000 in additional storage costs. If the county developed a new system to comply with the bill, the cost would range from $1 million to $3 million.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council