SB2506: COUNTIES-CLERK-TECHNOLOGY

Legislative Summary

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that a county clerk may authorize the use of technology to execute the clerk's duties or assist in the execution of certain portions of public duties in specified circumstances. Provides that, where applicable law requires accepting information in writing, an appearance before an official in person, service of official records in paper copy, or requires a signature, the county clerk may, in place of those requirements, adopt widely used technologies such as video chat, secure data transmission portals, and secure digital signatures to verify identity and process service requests. Provides that a county clerk may also adopt a method of certifying paperless digital copies of any record using PDF or similar file delivery in specified circumstances. Provides that a county clerk replacing a previously paper-based process or appearance method must publish notice on the clerk's website, or in a newspaper of general circulation if the county clerk does not have a website, and in the principal office of business 60 days prior to making such a change.