Laws Passed by Yvonne
HOUSE BILL 1418 was filed in order to address the needs of rural justice courts. Counties have been burdened by the rising cost of technology equipment and software that justice courts must maintain in their day-to-day business. This burden was relieved temporarily by legislation allowing courts to collect a $4 fee for four years, to be spent on computers, software and other related items. This fee however was set to expire September 1, 2005. Representative Gonzalez Toureilles filed legislation to continue the collection of this fee by justice courts, allowing them to be self-funded in their technology needs and relieving counties of this undue burden.
HOUSE BILL 1934 generally referred to as the justice court security bill, was filed to provide assistance to financially distressed counties. The legislation will now allow a one dollar fee to be collected and spent for security expenses in justice courts located outside of county court buildings. District 35 has fourteen of its twenty-five justice courts located outside of their respective courthouses. The funds can be utilized for metal detectors, surveillance systems, bailiffs, locks and other security related expenses. Governor Perry signed the bill into law on June 18, 2005.
HOUSE BILL 3418 was the companion bill to Senate Bill 630 by Senator Van de Putte. This legislation was aimed at implementing auditing procedures that will allow providers to make corrections to audits that may be easily explained. This will help prevent expensive litigation for medical providers and help reduce the cost to consumers. This piece of legislation was supported by many of my local pharmacists and doctors, as well as their state organizations.
HOUSE BILL 3496 was the companion bill to Sentate Bill 1799 by Senator Zaffirini to meet the evolving needs of the Bee Groundwater Conservation District. This bill eliminated chapter 49 from the districts enabling legislation. This legislation was filed at the request of the board to streamline and update the original enabling legislation.
HOUSE BILL 3533 was the companion bill to Senate Bill 1846 by Senator Zaffirini, filed on behalf of the Karnes County Hospital District. This bill updated and provided clarification to the outdated enabling legislation that had not been amended since 1981. In addition the bill conformed the enabling legislation with election provisions in current law.
SENATE BILL 1579 was sponsored by Representative Gonzalez Toureilles. This bill was aimed at increasing property rights and economic development in District 35. Since this legislation was passed and signed by Governor Perry, certain areas along 281 are now allowed to erect billboards on private property if an owner chooses to do so.
79th Legislative Session
79th Legislative Session Newsletter
Third Special Legislative Session
Third Special Session Newsletter
