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Texas Office of Court Administration and |
Electronic Filing Project |
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Judicial Committee on Information Technology |
White Paper: Frequently Asked Questions |
There
are several benefits associated with the implementation of a statewide EFM Model
as an e-Filing solution. The State
of Texas, Counties, the State Bar, JCIT and filers will design the system through a collaborative effort
ensuring that county specific filing needs are met. Upon completion, the State will retain ownership of the
system thereby decreasing
the risk of business failure. The EFM Model provides the opportunity to leverage
a statewide infrastructure and standards at a local level while increasing EFSP
vendor participation opportunities resulting in more competitive rates, better
service and greater flexibility for the legal community and counties.
Utilizing a single EFM will standardize interfaces between courts and
allow opportunities for improved and more consistent access to data.
Although there are alternative methods available for e-Filing
implementation, the JCIT perceives the single EFM Model to be the most
advantageous due to the aforementioned opportunities to set and enforce
standards.
Additional
benefits associated with the EFM Model are as follows:
Counties can realize additional revenue through the use of fees provided for in Section 2054.259 of the Government Code, which authorizes to be established by the TexasOnline Authority.
Counties’ needs and concerns will be addressed through participation in the development of a common set of rules and policies, which will govern the e-Filing process.
Counties can establish service using the state master contract.
Counties can establish e-Filing services without incurring costs. (DMS or CMS integration could incur costs, but these may be offset through additional revenue stream).
Ultimately, Counties can allow electronic transference of cases in a change of venue or appellate process.
Filers will be provided with a choice of open market service providers who meet a standard set of policies and rules. Counties and filers will be provided more flexibility by enabling the use of multiple EFSPs.
Users will be provided with a single, consistent portal to state and local governments.
Counties will be provided a secure path for court related data transference and payment transactions.
Counties will be provided a proven process.
Counties will participate in a true public and private sector alliance.