Bill
SB 43
85(R) - 2017
Senate State Affairs
Senate State Affairs
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Vote Recommendation
Neutral
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Negative
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Neutral
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Positive
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Negative
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Positive
Author(s)
Judith Zaffirini
Bill Caption
Relating to the Judicial Branch Certification Commission; authorizing fees; modifying existing penalties.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
This bill would modify the government code relating to Judicial Branch Certification Commission. It adds to the definition of “regulated person” to include a firm or other business entity. It also outlines some stricter rules regarding who may serve on the commission, and/or a committee that serves the commission. SB 43 would change portions of the notice of complaint process; if passed this would allow the commission to dismiss complaints that allegedly took place more than five years before the date the complaint was filed among other reasons.
This bill also imposes fees, rules for certification, including passing a test, and complying with the renewal process. If a regulated person fails to become certified before the expiration is up, then they would be required to retake and pass the exam.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill appears to be addressing some procedural inefficiencies within government. There are some substantive changes that would both positively and negatively affect our principles. Changes such as greater accountability on those making complaints against licensed individuals, reinstatement of a licensee, and removing specifics on what must be tested are all positive changes. However, the new rules on revocation, increased fee costs in certain cases, and allowing government entities to initiate a complaint are all items that expand government and cause increased barriers.
Because of these conflicting principles, we remain neutral on SB 43.
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