Honorable Nicole Collier, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB4143 by Dutton (Relating to the amount of a fine and costs discharged by a defendant while confined in jail or engaged in labor.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to increase the amount of credit given to defendants who satisfy payment of their fine and court costs through confinement in jail or approved labor. The credit for confinement in jail or approved labor would increase from $100 to $200 per day.
According to the Office of Court Administration (OCA), because the majority of individuals who are currently serving jail time or approved labor in lieu of paying their fines or court costs do not currently pay those court costs or fines no significant fiscal impact to the State is anticipated.
Local Government Impact
According to OCA, the bill would likely not result in a loss of revenue from court costs or fines paid to local governments. Local governments may see a cost savings by reduced jail and warrant services costs.
According to the Texas Association of Counties, the bill is expected to have a fiscal impact on counties. However, the extent of the fiscal impact cannot be determined.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council