House Bill 2282, which raises the arrest-warrant fee from $50 to $75, was presented to the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice and advanced after public testimony that split along enforcement and defense lines.

Sponsor Senator Perry summarized: the bill “would simply increase the arrest warrant fee from $50 to $75 because as we all know everything costs more these days.”

Constable Larry Gallardo, speaking for the Justice of the Peace and Constable Association of Texas, described operational costs for serving warrants and testified in support: “The current $50 fee set over 30 years ago no longer reflects the actual cost of serving a warrant… Our data shows that real cost of serving a warrant ranges from $75 to a hundred and $4 depending on the distance, time, resources involved.” He said counties currently subsidize warrant service when defendants cannot pay.

Opposition testimony came from Bridal Macsud (Texas Fair Defense Project). He argued the fee is a regressive charge that disproportionately burdens people who cannot pay and that most warrants arise from fine-only offenses; many are never executed and instead produce computer processing and letters, not police time. He said judges waive fees only about 2% of the time.

Committee action: The committee reported HB 2282 to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation; the roll call recorded 4 ayes and 1 nay.

Why it matters: The change shifts part of the administrative cost of warrant processing onto defendants; supporters framed it as cost recovery for law enforcement, opponents called it a regressive revenue source that can escalate burdens on low-income people and complicate case disposition.

Next steps: The bill proceeds to the full Senate after the committee’s favorable recommendation; stakeholders on both sides said they would continue outreach to members and courts about implementation and waiver practices.