The House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

85th Legislature

April 27, 2018

10:00 a.m.

E2.026

Pursuant to a notice posted on March 26, 2018, the House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Smithee, at 10:04 a.m.

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Smithee; Hernandez; Murr; Neave; and Rinaldi.

A quorum was present.

The chair laid out interim charge #1: “Study the effects of Hurricane Harvey on the courts and legal system. Examine whether existing statutes granting authority to the Texas Supreme Court and Texas Court of Criminal Appeals are adequate to address potential needs during emergencies. Study the effects of Harvey on civil legal aid programs in general, and specifically in regard to legal problems faced by those impacted.”

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Schofield now present.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The chair laid out interim charge #3: “Evaluate the statutes prescribing fees in civil and criminal matters, and examine opportunities to simplify and improve the fee structure. Identify fees that may be challenged on grounds similar to those raised in Salinas v. Texas (Tex. Court of Crim. Apps., March 8, 2017), and recommend any necessary changes.”

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Schofield in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Smithee in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The chair laid out interim charge #7: “Monitor the implementation of the statewide electronic database of court records ("re:SearchTX").”

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

At 1:01 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

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Rep. Smithee, Chair

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Beth Klunder, Clerk