Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] amends and reenacts several articles of the Code of Civil Procedure concerning the fees for service of process in civil actions. Key changes include the stipulation that a request for service of citation is considered timely only if all fees specified by the clerk of court are paid within the designated timeframes. Specifically, the bill introduces new provisions requiring the clerk of court to provide a confirmation of receipt and a statement of initial fees upon receiving a request for service. If additional fees are necessary, the clerk must inform the filing party, who must pay these fees within a specified period. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that these fee requirements do not apply to litigants who are allowed to litigate without paying costs.

Additionally, the bill modifies the conditions under which a judgment dismissing an action without prejudice can be rendered. It specifies that such a judgment can occur if service has not been requested or if all required fees have not been paid within the prescribed times, unless good cause is shown. The bill is set to take effect on August 1, 2026, and is designed to streamline the process of service of citation while ensuring that all parties are aware of their financial obligations in civil proceedings.