AUSTIN, TX – House Bill (HB) 4738 by Rep. Charlie Geren (R-Fort Worth) and Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) will take effect Jan. 1 (Thursday), eliminating a provision in the Texas Finance Code that allows the state to collect small portions of administrative fees from certain loans.

HB 4738 removes statutory language authorizing the Comptroller of Public Accounts to collect $1 from each administrative fee charged on a non-real property consumer loan and 50 cents from each fee on a secondary mortgage loan.

These funds were authorized to support a financial services study conducted by the Finance Commission of Texas. Because it has operated as a self-directed semi-independent agency since 2009, the commission no longer receives appropriated funds and collects only minimal revenue from such fees.

Eliminating this fee portion will improve government efficiency and end unnecessary collection of state fees.

“HB 4738 reflects our state’s commitment to efficient governance and fiscal responsibility,” Dean Senator Zaffirini said. “Texans can count on me to keep delivering results that improve how government serves our families and communities.”

Dean Senator Zaffirini passed a record-breaking 136 bills in the 89th Texas Legislature’s Regular and Special Sessions, making her the highest bill-passing legislator for six consecutive sessions. She also holds a state and national record of having cast 76,843 consecutive votes since 1987 and passing 1,524 bills, making her the highest bill-passer in the history of the State of Texas.

A communications specialist, businesswoman and former educator, she has won more than 1,300 awards and honors for her legislative, professional and civic accomplishments, including more than 600 state and national awards in communication.

Dean Senator Zaffirini is the namesake of a courthouse in Webb County, student success center and medal for leadership and scholarship at Texas A&M International University, library at Laredo College, elementary school at United ISD, park and soccer mini-pitch in Laredo, road at Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, hospital suite in Austin and several endowed scholarships and grants. She is featured in 25 books and referenced in 22.

Photo Credit: Texas Senate Media Services

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