The Senate Committee on Jurisprudence convened on May 14, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 3009, aimed at reforming the collection process for unpaid judgments in Texas. The meeting began with Chair Creighton introducing the bill and recognizing Senator Central Parker to present its details.
Senator Parker explained that the bill seeks to address ambiguities in current laws that allow some debtors to evade legitimate judgments. He emphasized that the committee substitute for SB 3009 would enhance fairness by mandating the appointment of receivers after six months of unpaid judgments and permitting the seizure of non-exempt property. This measure is designed to strengthen the justice court process for both creditors and debtors and has garnered support from the Texas Justice of the Peace and Constables Association.
Following the presentation, the committee opened the floor for testimony. Several witnesses were called to provide their insights, including Anne Vadore, who expressed opposition to the bill. Vadore raised concerns specifically about changes to subsection f of the bill, arguing that these modifications would remove protections for Texans' current wages from turnover receivers. She highlighted the potential negative impact on vulnerable individuals, citing examples of low-income families facing financial crises due to frozen accounts and aggressive debt collection practices.
Vadore's testimony underscored the importance of maintaining a balance in the system, warning that the proposed changes could disproportionately affect those already struggling financially. She also pointed out that the bill's retroactive provisions could exacerbate these issues.
The committee's discussions reflected a complex interplay between the need for effective debt collection and the protection of vulnerable populations. As the meeting progressed, members considered the implications of the proposed changes, weighing the benefits of a clearer process against the potential risks to individuals' financial stability. The committee is expected to deliberate further on the bill and its implications in upcoming sessions.