HB1591

This bill does not solve an identifiable problem.

TO: House Judiciary Committee FROM: Rep. Terry W. Roy, Chair of Criminal Justice and Public Safety RE: Support for the Principles of HB 1591 with Operational Concerns DATE: February 25, 2026 Chairman Lynn and Members of the Judiciary Committee, I am writing to address HB 1591. As a matter of fundamental principle, I agree with the sponsors: the government should never be an obstacle to a citizen recovering their own property. When a court case is settled and the appeals are over, there is no excuse for the State to "sit on" escrowed funds for months on end. Private property belongs in private hands. However, as a Chairman who deals daily with the intersection of policy and practice, I am concerned about the unintended consequences of this bill in its current form. We have to be honest about the state of our Judicial Branch. Following recent budget cuts, the "back-office" capacity of the Administrative Office of the Courts is not what it once was. If we mandate a strict 30-day turnaround and an exhaustive annual reporting requirement without acknowledging these staffing shortages, we risk creating a "paper tiger" that causes more delays than it solves. I urge the committee to consider a middle-ground approach: Extended Timeline for Reporting: Perhaps the reporting requirement could be semi-annual rather than annual, or the 30-day clock could be extended to 45 or 60 days to allow for reduced staffing levels. Technological Investment: We cannot expect 21st-century speed from 20th-century systems. If we want this level of accountability, we must ensure the Judicial Branch has the tools to automate these disbursements. I support the intent of HB 1591, but I ask the committee to ensure this bill is workable. Let’s not pass a law that sets our court clerks up for failure and costs taxpayers more in penalties and administrative overhead than it saves in escrow. Respectfully, Rep. Terry W. Roy Chairman Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee

Why do you people always put in petty legislation like this and never do anything that makes life better for all in this state..

As someone who has gone through the excitement of pregnancy and the terrible experience of protecting my health and life. I oppose this proposal that ultimately reduces a women’s choice and options for her own medical needs.

Please vote against this abortion ban as ITL.