HB143 Summary

• Defines "same incident" for multiple charges as acts occurring on the same date, location, and proximate time; when multiple charges arise from the same incident, bail bond fee is assessed on only one charge.

• Extends the deadline for collecting bail bond fees from two business days to 30 days from bond execution, with collection authority shared between the official executing the bond and the court clerk.

• Authorizes municipal courts to impose contempt fines up to $500 against persons who fail to pay bail bond fees, in addition to the original fee amount.

• Repeals the September 30, 2015 expiration date of the bail bond fee, making the fee permanent.

• Establishes notification and enforcement procedures requiring the court clerk to inform district/prosecuting attorneys of delinquencies, with distribution of contempt fines split 50% to municipal general fund and 50% to district attorney Solicitor's Fund.