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21 Document(s) [ Subject: Court%20costs%20and%20fees ]

Committee:	House County Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Alternatives to incarceration | Arrest warrants | Border security | County budgets | County employees | County jails | Court costs and fees | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Disease preparedness | Family violence | Fines | Jail population | Jail Standards, Texas Commission on | Mental health services | Mentally ill inmates | Municipal jails | Municipalities | Operation Lone Star (Border security) | Parole | Prison population | Prisons | Probation | Quarantines |
Library Call Number:	L1836.87 C832
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [31 pages  File size: 781 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the existing and anticipated populations in state prisons and city and county jails located near the Texas-Mexico border. Make recommendations for alleviating or addressing any increase or over-crowding that may result as well as any other particularized needs or circumstances that have arisen or could arise as a result of an increase in population in correctional facilities, including, but not limited to, intake capacity, adequacy of facilities and other health and safety considerations. Make recommendations to mitigate any associated costs borne by border counties and municipalities. (Joint charge with Committee on Corrections)
2.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following: HB 1545, 87th R.S., relating to the continuation and functions of the Commission on Jail Standards; HB 1906, 87th R.S., relating to grants awarded to reimburse counties for the cost of monitoring defendants and victims in cases involving family violence; and HB 2073, 87th R.S., relating to quarantine leave for fire fighters, peace officers, detention officers, and emergency medical technicians employed by, appointed by, or elected for a political subdivision.
3.	Study statutorily mandated services provided by sheriffs and constables and determine whether fee schedules are set at sufficient levels to allow for cost recovery without placing undue burdens on recipients of those services.
4.	For individuals in county jails and Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities, or on community supervision or parole, examine: The availability of behavioral health services; and The current treatment and recovery options available for those who are experiencing withdrawal from drug or alcohol use. Make recommendations for best practices to address the needs of individuals requiring treatment. (Joint charge with Committee on Corrections)
Committee:	Senate State Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Abortion | Campus carry | Concealed weapons | Court costs and fees | Election fraud | Freedom of religion | Gun control | Human trafficking | Lobbyists | Occupational licenses | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Privacy | State agencies | Theft | Voter registration | Voting by mail | Voting systems |
Library Call Number:	L1836.86 St29a
Session:	86th R.S. (2019)
Online version:	View report [51 pages  File size: 1,479 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Human Trafficking: Examine opportunities and make recommendations to reduce the profitability of and demand for human trafficking in Texas. Determine ways to increase public awareness on the proliferation of human trafficking, as well as resources for victims and survivors. Review the interaction between local, state, and federal agencies in responding to and prosecuting human trafficking and sex trafficking offenses in Texas' five most populous counties. Make recommendations to ensure law enforcement agencies and prosecutors have the tools necessary to promptly and thoroughly respond to these crimes.
2.	Elections: Study the integrity and security of voter registration rolls, voting machines, and voter qualification procedures to reduce election fraud in Texas. Specifically, study and make recommendations to: 1) ensure counties are accurately verifying voter eligibility after voter registration; 2) improve training requirements for mail-in ballot signature verification committees; 3) ensure every voter has access to a polling station, particularly in counties that have adopted countywide polling; 4) allow the voter registrar, county clerk, and Secretary of State to suspend an unqualified voter's registration or remove an ineligible voter from a list of registered voters; and 5) ensure compliance with laws that prohibit school trustees and employees from improperly using public funds to advocate for or against any candidate, measure, or political party.
3.	Conscience Protections for Professionals: Assess current legal protections in Texas law for professionals and students studying to pursue a professional license that have an conscience-based objection that could interfere with a professional service. Evaluate any discrimination by state agencies against an applicant for or holder of an occupational license based on a sincerely held religious belief. Make recommendations to protect Texas professionals with conscience objections.
4.	Private Personal Data: Study how state agencies sell or otherwise distribute the personal data of Texas residents and recommend whether additional measures are needed to prevent the unwanted disclosure of personal information.
5.	Taxpayer Lobbying: Study how governmental entities use public funds for political lobbying purposes. Examine what types of governmental entities use public funds for lobbying purposes. Make recommendations to protect taxpayers from paying for lobbyists who may not represent the taxpayers’ interests.
6.	Second Amendment: Examine Second Amendment legislation passed since the 84th Legislative Session including open carry, campus carry, and lowering the license to carry fee. Determine the impact these laws have made on furthering and protecting Second Amendment rights. Make recommendations that may further protect and enhance Texans' Second Amendment right to bear arms.
7.	Personal Property Protections: Examine prosecution rates for thefts involving property valued under $1,000. Make recommendations to ensure law enforcement agencies and prosecutors have the tools necessary to thoroughly protect Texans' personal property from theft.
8.	Lobbying Loopholes: Review current lobby laws and examine exceptions that allow certain individuals to avoid registration as lobbyists. Consider whether the exceptions are fair, transparent, and promote the public's trust in their elected officials and governmental institutions. Propose whether these exceptions should be limited or removed so that all people engaging in lobbying must report their lobbying activities.
9.	Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on State Affairs passed by the 86th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following: SB 22, 86th R.S., relating to prohibiting certain transactions between a governmental entity and an abortion provider; and SB 39, 86th R.S., to the consolidation, allocation, classification, and repeal of certain criminal court costs and other court-related costs, fines, and fees; imposing certain court costs and fees and increasing and decreasing the amounts of certain other court costs and fees.
Committee:	House Criminal Jurisprudence
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Bail | Capital punishment | Capital punishment of mentally ill inmates | Capital punishment of mentally disabled inmates | Court Administration, Texas Office of | Court costs and fees | Courts | Criminal justice | Emergency management | Fines | Gun control | Guns | Hurricane Harvey | Jury instructions | Legal malpractice | Marijuana | Mentally ill persons | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Prosecutorial misconduct | Risk-based decision-making | School safety | School violence | Sex crimes | Shootings | State jail system |
Library Call Number:	L1836.85 C868h
Session:	85th R.S. (2017)
Online version:	View report [103 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Evaluate the impact of Hurricane Harvey on the Texas criminal justice system, including its effect on the speed of criminal trials and litigation, criminal courts, district attorneys' ability to prosecute, and attorneys' ability to provide proper defense. Recommend any changes that could improve operational stability of state criminal justice institutions following a natural disaster and changes that would allow for a more effective response.
2.	Assess developments in medical science and legal standards related to the imposition of the death penalty on defendants with serious mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities. Review statutorily prescribed jury instructions used during capital sentencing.
3.	Study current practices for the enforcement of criminal laws against low-level possession of marijuana. Examine the use of alternative punishments and improvements to criminal enforcement mechanisms and community supervision.
4.	Examine instances of prosecutorial misconduct and ineffective assistance of defense counsel. Review systemic and structural issues affecting the resolution of criminal cases.
5.	Examine the legal framework surrounding sexual assault prosecutions, including statutory definitions, certain age-based offenses, and ongoing developments in evidence collection and processing.
6.	Review the Texas state jail system, including its original intent, sentencing guidelines, effectiveness, and recidivism rates. Make recommendations for changes in the state jail system that will improve outcomes. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Corrections)
7.	Monitor the work of the Office of Court Administration on pre-trial risk assessment tools for the Texas Judiciary, and study the use of risk assessment tools at various stages in the criminal justice process. Monitor litigation on Harris County pretrial bond practices. Monitor the implementation of the legislation passed by the 85th Legislature regarding the imposition of fines, fees, and court costs in criminal courts.
8.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature.
9.	Review the applicable portions of the state's penal laws and make legislative recommendations regarding whether existing protective order laws are sufficient or could be amended to include 'red flag' or mental health protective orders or whether 'red flag' or mental health protective orders should be independently created to allow law enforcement, a family member, a school employee, or a district attorney to file a petition seeking removal of firearms from a potentially dangerous person and providing for mental health treatment for the potentially dangerous person, while preserving the fundamental rights of the Second Amendment and ensuring due process.
10.	Examine current statutes designed to protect minors from accessing firearms without proper supervision and make recommendations to ensure responsible and safe firearm storage, including enhancing the penalty to a felony when unauthorized access results in death or bodily injury.
Committee:	Senate State Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Abortion | Attorney General of Texas | Court costs and fees | Emergency communications | Emergency management | Evacuation routes | Fees | Freedom of religion | Freedom of speech | Gun control | Higher education | Human trafficking | Natural disasters | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Price gouging | Public retirement systems | Theft |
Library Call Number:	L1836.85 ST29a
Session:	85th R.S. (2017)
Online version:	View report [71 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the interaction between federal, state, and local agencies in charge of responding to natural disasters. Examine emergency situation operations, including evacuation routes and procedures, and the efficient use of Disaster Recovery Centers. Make recommendations to ensure emergency management officials have the tools and authority necessary to promptly and appropriately respond to disaster areas and alert citizens to potential threats.
2.	Study and make recommendations on the benefit of the state maintaining a single, web-based source of comprehensive information that outlines the State Emergency Operations during times of disaster.
3.	Review the Attorney General's efforts related to price-gouging and identify existing issues with current law, if any, that could be remedied to further protect Texans during times of disaster.
4.	Review laws related to looting crimes. Examine whether current penalties and enhancements are sufficient to deter looting crimes during a disaster.
5.	Second Amendment: Review local ordinances imposed on sellers and venues that affect a person's rights under the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Examine state and local regulations and restrictions regarding the carrying of weapons during a natural disaster. Make recommendations on whether any legislation is needed to address the regulatory barriers to the full exercise of the Second Amendment rights of citizens.
6.	Pensions: Examine and assess public pension systems in Texas. Specifically, review and assess (1) the different types of retirement plans; (2) the actuarial assumptions used by retirement systems to value their liabilities and the consequences of amending those assumptions; (3) retirement systems' investment practices and performance; and (4) the adequacy of financial disclosures including asset returns and fees. Make recommendations to ensure public pension system retirees' benefits are preserved and protected.
7.	Attorney General Jurisdiction: Examine the Attorney General's jurisdiction on issues of alleged violations of state laws regarding abortion and multi -jurisdictional human trafficking cases. Make recommendations to ensure uniform enforcement across the state.
8.	Court Fees: Examine the structure of court fees and make recommendations to ensure statutory filing fees and court costs are appropriate and justified. Provide reeommendations for proper agency oversight of fee collection.
9.	Campus Free Speech: Ascertain any restrictions on Freedom of Speech rights that Texas students face in expressing their views on campus along with freedoms of the press, religion, and assembly. Recommend policy changes that protect First Amendment rights and enhance the free speech environment on campus.
10.	Religious Liberty: Monitor the implementation of legislation that protects citizens' religious freedoms, including Senate Bill 24 (sermon safeguard) and House Bill 555 (religious liberty of county clerks), and make recommendations for any legislation needed to ensure that citizens' religious freedoms are not eroded by local ordinances or state or federal law.
11.	Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on State Affairs, 85th R.S., and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/ or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following: Implementation of Senate Bill 2190, relating to the public retirement systems of certain municipalities; • Implementation of House Bill 3158, relating to the retirement systems for and the provision of other benefits to police and firefighters in certain municipalities; • Implementation of House Bill 3976, relating to the administration of and benefits payable under the Texas Public School Retired Employees Group Benefits Act; and • Implementation of Senate Bill 16, relating to decreasing the fee for the issuance of a license to carry a handgun.
Committee:	House Corrections
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Administrative segregation | Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Texas Commission on | Bail | Court costs and fees | Criminal justice | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Drug enforcement | Drug rehabilitation programs | Expunged criminal records | Fees | Illegal drugs | Inmate rehabilitation | Inmates | Pardons and Paroles, Texas Board of | Parole | Probation | Recidivism | State jail system | Substance abuse | Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facilities | Technical parole violations | Windham School District |
Library Call Number:	L1836.84 C817
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View report [73 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Examine fees and revocations for those on probation and parole; examine effectiveness of fees imposed as a condition of probation and parole; study technical revocations in adult probation to identify drivers of revocations, disparities across the state, and strategies for reducing technical revocations while ensuring program effectiveness and public safety. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence)
2.	Study recidivism, its major causes, and existing programs designed to reduce recidivism, including a review of current programs utilized by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Windham School District for incarcerated persons. Examine re-entry programs and opportunities for offenders upon release. Identify successful programs in other jurisdictions and consider how they might be implemented in Texas.
3.	Study incarceration rates for non-violent drug offenses and the cost to the state associated with those offenses. Identify alternatives to incarceration, including community supervision, that could be used to reduce incarceration rates of non-violent drug offenders.
4.	Study inmate release policies of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, including the release of inmates directly from administrative segregation. Identify best practices and policies for both the transitioning of these various inmate populations from the prison to appropriate supervision in the community. Identify any needed legislative changes necessary to accomplish these goals.
5.	Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 84th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.
Committee:	House County Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Bail | Child abuse | Child Protective Services | County jails | County roads | Court costs and fees | Criminal justice | Criminal records | Electronic security | Emergency management | Fees | Indigent health care | Jail Standards, Texas Commission on | Managed care | Medicaid | Mentally ill inmates | Mentally ill persons | Natural disasters | Police officers | Suicide |
Library Call Number:	L1836.84 C832
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View report [112 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review jail standards and procedures with regards to potentially mentally ill persons in county jails, as well as issues stemming from interactions between the general public and peace officers. *
2.	Study the effectiveness and efficiency of current programs in Texas as well as best practices to determine how to decrease the risk and mitigate the impact of wildfires, floods, and other natural hazards in the wildland-urban interface. Examine the duties, performance, and jurisdictions of water districts, municipalities, Emergency Services Districts, other similar districts, and state offices like the Fire Marshal and Extension Services. Evaluate current regulations and identify best practices. Recommend approaches for hazard mitigation and response to natural disasters. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Urban Affairs)
3.	Identify and address potential gaps in counties’ cybersecurity policies and ensure that personal information held by counties and other local governmental entities is secure.
4.	Evaluate the Texas Commission on Jail Standards to determine if the Commission has the resources and structure to provide sufficient oversight, regulation, and enforcement over Texas county jails.
5.	Review pretrial service and bonding practices throughout the state. Examine factors considered in bail and pre-trial confinement decisions, including the use of risk assessments; assess the effectiveness and efficiency of different systems in terms of cost to local governments and taxpayers, community safety, pretrial absconding rates and rights of the accused. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence)
6.	Study the implications and effects on law enforcement agencies and individuals that stem from the publication, republication, or other dissemination for public internet access of mug shots and other criminal history information regarding involvement of an individual in the criminal justice system.
7.	Study statutorily mandated services provided by sheriffs and constables, and determine whether fee schedules allow cost recovery without placing undue burdens on recipients of those services.
8.	Study the effect of Proposition 5 (SJR 17 (84R)) on the quality of private roadways in counties with a population of less than 7,500. Make recommendations to ensure the amendment does not result in undue competition between counties and private industry, and whether additional counties could benefit from a similar authorization.
9.	Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 84th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.
Supporting documents
Committee:	House County Affairs
Title:	Committee meeting handouts and testimony, August 4, 2016 (Child Protective Services, Debtors prisons, 1115 transformation waiver)
Library Call Number:
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View document [72 pages  File size: 14,626 kb]
Committee:	House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Asbestos lawsuits | Bankruptcy | Child custody | Court Administration, Texas Office of | Court costs and fees | Court records | Family violence | Guardianship | Lawsuit lending | Legislative intent | Ombudsmen | Protective orders | Rules and regulations | Statutory revision | Wills and estates |
Library Call Number:	L1836.82 J898
Session:	82nd R.S. (2011)
Online version:	View report [34 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the potential effects on victims of family and domestic violence in the judicial process if courts are allowed to issue agreed protective orders without a finding of violence.
2.	Study and make recommendations regarding the discrepancies in guardianship and child custody statutes. Review potential solutions to the problems surrounding "arbitrary and capricious" findings by trial court judges.
3.	Study the rules of statutory construction and establish a method of determining legislative intent.
4.	Study the degree of transparency in asbestos bankruptcy trusts and how it affects litigation of asbestos exposure claims in Texas courts.
5.	Study the public policy implications of lawsuit lending and its effects on the civil justice system.
6.	Study whether the asbestos and silica multidistrict litigation courts should be allowed to dismiss, without prejudice, claims on the courts' inactive dockets for want of prosecution under certain circumstances.
7.	Study best practices regarding corporate governance. Make recommendations on the confidentiality of communications to ombudsmen in order to provide more protections to complaining parties.
8.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 82nd Legislature.
Committee:	Senate Jurisprudence
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Senate Committee on Jurisprudence interim report : report the 80th Legislature
Subjects:	Alternative dispute resolution | Child support | County courts | Court costs and fees | Court records | Court reporters | Debt collection | Fines | Guardianship | Legal fees | Probate courts | Probation |
Library Call Number:	L1836.79 J979
Session:	79th R.S. (2005)
Online version:	View report [121 pages  File size: 5,464 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Examine and make recommendations relating to the jurisdiction of statutory county courts, including the development of standardized language for Chapter 25, Government Code, to confer specific types of jurisdiction on statutory county courts and to ensure the statutes are clear and concise.
2.	Examine and make recommendations to improve court oversight of fiduciaries appointed to make financial and personal decisions for wards as well as those appointed to administer an estate or trust.
3.	Study and make recommendations relating to the use and cost benefits of electronic recording as an alternative method of preserving records of official court proceedings.
4.	Monitor the implementation of SB 1863, 79th R.S., specifically the Collection Improvement Program, which seeks to improve the collection of criminal court fees, fines and costs. Make recommendations to increase the effectiveness of the Collection Improvement Program and determine if any statutory changes are necessary.
5.	Study and make recommendations relating to the possible uses and need for statutory directives regarding the use of collaborative law procedures.
6.	Review statutes, regulations, guidelines, and formulas relating to child support and make recommendations, if necessary, to ensure adequate support, including educational expenses, for children.
Committee:	House Corrections
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Corrections, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2002 : a report to the House of Representatives, 78th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Alternatives to incarceration | Correctional officer shortages | Court costs and fees | Criminal justice | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Drug rehabilitation programs | Fines | Inmate health | Inmate rehabilitation | Inmates | Parole | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Prison reform | Probation |
Library Call Number:	L1836.77 c817
Session:	77th R.S. (2001)
Online version:	View report [40 pages  File size: 255 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study community supervision caseloads, the effect of officer-to-offender ratios and the impact of caseload reductions on revocations and incarceration costs to the state.
2.	Study the quality and availability of residential facilities and the potential cost savings of enhanced residential sentencing alternatives to long-term incarceration.
3.	Review the fees assessed on adult offenders and their impacts on community supervision and parole. Consider offenders' abilities to pay supervision fees and any impact on revocations of parole.
4.	Study the delivery of healthcare within the Texas prison system, including the number and types of healthcare practitioners needed, the recruitment and retention of those practitioners, management of chronic diseases, and the use of telemedicine and other technologies.
5.	Actively monitor the agencies under the committee's oversight jurisdiction. Specifically monitor the implementation of staffing and training programs at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and their effects on the safety of both inmates and staff.
Committee:	House County Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on County Affairs, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2002 : a report to the House of Representatives, 78th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Ad valorem taxes | County Essential Services Grant Program | County government | Court costs and fees | Fines | Property taxes |
Library Call Number:	L1836.77 c832
Session:	77th R.S. (2001)
Online version:	View report [87 pages  File size: 3,050 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the implementation of HB 2869, 77th R.S., creating the Texas County Financial Data Advisory Committee, and county information systems, including coordination with state agencies.
2.	Examine the revenue sources available to county governments, including but not limited to taxes, to determine whether revenue sources are keeping pace with demands for services. Among other factors affecting revenues, evaluate the impact of ad valorem tax exemptions granted since 1985. Assess the varying levels of tax effort in different counties and factors that may account for the differences observed.
3.	Review the County Essential Services Grant Program and other programs to assist counties with mandatory duties.
4.	Review the implementation of county fee and fine collection programs and SB 732, 77th Legislature.
5.	Actively monitor agencies and programs under the committee's oversight jurisdiction.
Committee:	House Judicial Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Judicial Affairs, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2002 : a report to the House of Representatives, 78th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Campaign finance reform | Conflicts of interest | Contraceptives | County clerks | Court Administration, Texas Office of | Court costs and fees | Court reform | Crime prevention | District court clerks | Drug courts | Drug enforcement | Elder abuse | Electronic business filings | Ethics | Facsimiles | Guardianship | Judicial Council, Texas | Judicial districts | Judicial elections | Judicial selection | Law clerks | Redistricting | Searches and seizures | Senior citizens | Sex crimes | Tulia, Texas | Voter education | Wrongful convictions |
Library Call Number:	L1836.77 j899
Session:	77th R.S. (2001)
Online version:	View report [31 pages  File size: 242 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the Uniform Durable Power of Attorney Act, including witnessing, notarization, and notification; possible abuse of elders; refusal of financial institutions to accept Texas' law; and accounting and liability issues concerning attorneys-in-fact.
2.	Develop a plan for judicial redistricting as required by the Texas Constitution, Article V, Section 7a.
3.	Evaluate the rules of ethical conduct, conflict and disclosure for briefing clerks of the appellate courts.
4.	Study the feasibility of creating a statewide sexual assault prevention program.
5.	Make an assessment of all issues related to the current organization of the Texas Judicial Council and the Office of Court Administration. Consider the efficiency, responsiveness and accountability of the current organization, and make any appropriate recommendations for change.
6.	Monitor the progress of efforts to enable the filing of court documents of all kinds by facsimile or other electronic means, including the use of electronic signatures, actual or electronic notarization, and the need for verification.
7.	Assess the current state of judicial campaigns in regard to financing, accountability, immunity and candidate qualification. Make any appropriate reform recommendations.
8.	Study the fees assessed by district and county clerks for filing and processing civil cases and consider the establishment of a uniform schedule of fees.
9.	Actively monitor agencies and programs under the committee's oversight jurisdiction, including the new Court Interpreter's Board.
Committee:	Senate Jurisprudence
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Senate Committee on Jurisprudence interim report : report to the 78th Legislature.
Subjects:	Child crimes | Court costs and fees | Judges | Judicial districts | Juvenile crime | Juvenile justice system | Progressive sanctions (Criminal justice) | Racial profiling | Redistricting | Trial courts |
Library Call Number:	L1836.77 j979
Session:	77th R.S. (2001)
Online version:	View report [89 pages  File size: 1,687 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the effectiveness of the progressive sanction guidelines for juvenile offenders. Determine whether the guidelines established by HB 327, 74th R.S., are bringing consistency, uniformity, and predictability to juvenile dispositions in an effort to facilitate juvenile justice planning and improve the allocation of resources within the juvenile justice system. The Committee shall make recommendations for improving the effectiveness of juveniles sanctions in protecting public safety and rehabilitating offenders.
2.	Study the judicial system's revenue structure and make recommendations for improving the collection, dispersal, and accounting of court costs, fees, and fines by state and local entities. This study should include a review of all court costs and fees (except those related to the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund) to ensure that they are necessary and are adequately fulfilling their intended purpose.
3.	Study and make recommendations for the reapportionment of judicial districts pursuant to Article V, Section 7a, Texas Constitution.
4.	Study and make recommendations for improving the structure of the state's trial court system, including, but not limited to: improving the quality, cost-effectiveness, and uniformity of the visiting judge program; devising objective criteria to be used by the Legislature to determine when and where additional trial courts should be created; and clarifying jurisdictional conflicts between courts.
5.	Monitor the implementation of SB 1074, 77th R.S., relating to the prevention of racial profiling by certain peace officers.
Committee:	Senate Criminal Justice
Title:	Interim Report - Criminal fines
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report, 77th Legislature : charge nine.
Subjects:	Court costs and fees | Fines |
Library Call Number:	L1836.76 c868 9
Session:	76th R.S. (1999)
Online version:	View report [52 pages  File size: 2,174 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Evaluate the collection efforts for criminal fines, fees, and costs imposed by courts to determine how collection efforts may be enhanced, including incentives to increase collections. The Committee shall determine what fees may be imposed on offenders and which entities are entitled to a portion of the collected fees.
Committee:	House Criminal Jurisprudence
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1998 : a report to the House of Representatives, 76th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	At-risk youth | Child crimes | Civil commitment of sex offenders | Court costs and fees | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Good-conduct time | Indigent criminal defense | Juvenile crime | Juvenile justice system | Pardons and Paroles, Texas Board of | Parole | Sex offenders | Sexual assault | Youth Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 c868h
Session:	75th R.S. (1997)
Online version:	View report [186 pages  File size: 7,610 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review and assess the consistency of all statutes that pertain to the age of criminal responsibility.
2.	Study the issues relating to the civil commitment of violent offenders after their criminal sentence is served. Review civil commitment laws enacted in other states.
3.	Study the cost of legal services for the indigent in the Texas criminal justice system.
4.	Assess the effect that state-imposed municipal and county court fees have on a city, municipality, or county's revenue over time, and how it affects the violator's ability to pay.
5.	Examine the policies of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles regarding parole revocations, and to examine the calculation of current time, the forfeiture of good time, and program options for all felony cases, with special attention to substance abuse initiatives.
Committee:	Senate Jurisprudence
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 76th Legislature.
Subjects:	Appellate courts | Attorneys | Court congestion | Court costs and fees | Fines | Judicial campaign contributions | Judicial districts | Judicial Districts Board | Judicial selection | Juries | Jury duty | Redistricting | State Auditor's Office, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 j979
Session:	75th R.S. (1997)
Online version:	View report [90 pages  File size: 4,360 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the selection of judges in the state courts as well as the statutory county courts-at-law and probate courts, and make recommendations for any legislative action. The committee should consider the report made to the 75th Legislature by the Texas Commission on Judicial Efficiency and legislation introduced during the 75th Legislature.
2.	Study and evaluate the process of judicial districting with emphasis on the intermediate level of courts in Texas and, if necessary, make recommendations for any legislative action.
3.	Review any reports made by the Texas State Auditor regarding the court system and efficiency of the courts which may be issued prior to the 76th Legislature, and consider whether legislative action is needed.
4.	Study the costs assessed on parties filing civil lawsuits and appeals in district, county and appellate courts and evaluate whether those costs are unreasonable or overly burdensome. The Committee should review relevant legislation introduced during the 1997 regular session.
5.	Evaluate the collection efforts of criminal fines imposed by the courts to determine how courts, court clerks, community supervision departments, the Division of Paroles in the Department of Criminal Justice, and the Board of Pardons and Paroles may enhance collection efforts. If improvement in collection efforts is needed, the Committee should make recommendations. A review of other states' methods may be conducted.
6.	Review ways to improve service on juries and service by jurors. The committee should consider the work of the task force created by the Texas Supreme Court to study the jury system in Texas, as well as review the results of any similar studies which have taken place or are presently taking place in other states.
7.	Review the legal duties of attorneys and guardians in the negotiation and settlement of their client's civil claims. The Committee should consider whether current law and regulations ensure that clients' interests are protected and promote the efficient and effective resolution of claims. The Committee may make recommendations, if necessary, for legislative action.
Committee:	House Judicial Affairs
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Committee on Judicial Affairs, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1994 : a report to the House of Representatives, 74th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Court costs and fees | Family violence | Juvenile crime | Juvenile justice alternative education programs | Juvenile justice system | State agency mandated reports | Youth Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.73 j899
Session:	73rd R.S. (1993)
Online version:	View report [103 pages  File size: 4,652 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Examine the level, uniformity and administration of current court fees to assure that fees are reasonable, fairly administered and in the public interest.
2.	Study the feasibility and likely benefits of alternate commitment and punishment programs for juvenile offenders.
3.	Examine ways to improve judicial training in domestic violence issues and programs, including innovative sentencing and referral to special services programs.
4.	Conduct active oversight of agencies under the committee's jurisdiction, including a study of mandated reports to the legislature and legislative agencies. The study should consist of a review of the legislative reporting requirements of all agencies to identify areas where reporting obligations could be streamlined and agency accountability improved. The committee shall make specific recommendations about the continuation, modification or elimination of required legislative reports.
Committee:	House Judiciary
Title:	Interim Report - Volume 1
Library Catalog Title:	To the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 67th Legislature : reports of the Committee on Judiciary, House of Representatives, state of Texas, 66th Legislature.
Subjects:	Court costs and fees | Courts | Freedom of the press | Legal assistants | Media | State government contracts | Statutory revision |
Library Call Number:	L1836.66 j898 1
Session:	66th R.S. (1979)
Online version:	View report [115 pages  File size: 3,170 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the feasibility of a codification of the judicial statutes of Texas.
2.	Study the need for laws to define and limit the powers and authorities of paralegals.
3.	Make recommendations for revisions of the rules of venue.
4.	Investigate the fair trial and free press guidelines adopted by the American Bar Association House of Delegates as applied to the Judicial Branch of Texas, to determine whether such guidelines should be adopted by the Legislature.
5.	Study state contracts and the feasibility of modifying current statutes related to liquidated damages.
6.	Outline the various fees and court costs in Texas, to ascertain whether these charges are commensurate with the costs of the services provided.
Committee:	Senate Irregularities in State Dept. Finance Matters, Investigate
Title:	Preliminary Report #1
Library Catalog Title:	Final report and recommendations of the Senate Investigating Committee, 42nd Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	County government | Court costs and fees | Fees | Fines | Fraud |
Library Call Number:	S.J. of Tex., 42nd Leg., 1st C.S., 583 (1931)
Session:	42nd R.S. (1931)
Online version:	View report [7 pages  File size: 333 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Investigate any irregularities in financial matters that might be presented to the committee. *
Committee:	Senate Irregularities in State Dept. Finance Matters, Investigate
Title:	Preliminary Report #2
Library Catalog Title:	Final report and recommendations of the Senate Investigating Committee, 42nd Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	County government | Court costs and fees | Fees | Fines | Fraud |
Library Call Number:	S.J. of Tex., 42nd Leg., 1st C.S., 759 (1931)
Session:	42nd R.S. (1931)
Online version:	View report [15 pages  File size: 964 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Investigate any irregularities in financial matters that might be presented to the committee. *
Committee:	Senate Irregularities in State Dept. Finance Matters, Investigate
Title:	Final Report
Library Catalog Title:	Final report and recommendations of the Senate Investigating Committee, 42nd Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	County government | Court costs and fees | Fees | Fines | Fraud |
Library Call Number:	L1836.42 In8
Session:	42nd R.S. (1931)
Online version:	View report [96 pages  File size: 4,019 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Investigate any irregularities in financial matters that might be presented to the committee. *

* This represents an abstract of the report contents. Charge text is incomplete or unavailable.

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