HBA-NMO S.C.R. 12 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.C.R. 12
By: Ellis
Judicial Affairs
5/10/1999
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

A 1996 survey by the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial
System found that county-level courts have a collection rate of 61 percent
for an average loss of $412,000 in uncollected fines, while district courts
collect just 26 percent for an average loss of $570,000.  A simplification
of the fee collection process may enable smaller jurisdictions to use a
lesser share of their limited resources in identifying, collecting, and
remitting fees.  In addition, courts may increase collection efficiency
through other measures such as on-site training, manuals, software, and
toll-free assistance lines.  S.C.R. 12 provides that the 76th Texas
Legislature direct the comptroller of public accounts to develop strategies
for increasing the efficiency and reducing the complexity of fee collection
and dispersal by county and municipal clerks.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

S.C.R. 12 provides that the 76th Texas Legislature direct the comptroller
of public accounts to develop strategies for increasing the efficiency and
reducing the complexity of fee collection and dispersal by county and
municipal clerks and to submit recommendations to the legislature no later
than January 1, 2001. 

Provides that the secretary of state forward an official copy of this
resolution to the comptroller of public accounts.