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JCIT forms new committee to study e‑filing mandates and nonparty electronic returns; co‑chairs named
Summary
After a justice‑courts update and a proposal from a process‑service provider, JCIT agreed to form a new subgroup to study whether nonparty filers (process servers, sheriffs, commercial service companies) and justice‑court evictions should be required to e‑file; Russ and Jessica agreed to co‑chair the group.
JCIT’s justice courts update highlighted rapid growth in justice court e‑filing and prompted discussion about whether to mandate e‑filing for certain filers. The committee agreed to form a new working group to examine requirements for nonparty filers and justice court e‑filing mandates.
Russ presented the justice courts report, saying 60 counties and many JP offices now accept e‑filing and that debt‑collection and eviction files represent large volumes in justice courts. "We went from 23 to now 60 counties... 85% represents 67% of the state's population," Russ said while summarizing progress.
Commercial process‑service provider David Wilms suggested that commercial process servers, sheriffs and constables who are paid to file returns of service should be required to e‑file those returns rather than submitting paper. He told the committee that many returns still arrive as paper and that electronic returns would reduce manual clerk work.
After discussion about practical implementation and possible law enforcement or constable concerns, the committee agreed to create a new subgroup to study the issue and coordinate with law enforcement and vendors. Bob nominated Jessica and Russ to chair the subgroup; Jessica and Russ agreed to lead the effort. The group will examine scope (which nonparty filers to include), technical options (state portal vs. back‑end integrations), local practice variations, and any statutory or rule changes that would be required. Casey and committee staff will assist in outreach and scheduling.
The committee did not adopt a new rule at the meeting; instead, it formed the subgroup to develop recommendations.
