Missouri House Bill HB1963

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 2/1/22
• Report Pass: 2/24/22
• Refer: 2/24/22

Caption

Allows the circuit court in St. Louis City to collect a fee not to exceed twenty dollars, rather than fifteen, to go toward the law library

Impact

If passed, HB 1963 would directly impact the local court system's financial structure by altering the maximum fee that can be collected. This change is seen as a means to bolster the financial resources available for maintaining the law library, which is integral to supporting legal education and services within the community. Advocates for the bill emphasize that having a well-resourced law library is crucial for ensuring that individuals can access legal assistance and information, ultimately contributing to a more informed public.

Summary

House Bill 1963 aims to modify the fee structure for circuit courts in St. Louis City, allowing them to collect a fee of up to twenty dollars, an increase from the previous ceiling of fifteen dollars. This fee adjustment is intended to provide additional funding for the law library, which supports legal research and resources available to the public. Proponents of the bill argue that the increased fees are necessary to ensure that the law library remains adequately funded, facilitating improved access to legal knowledge and resources for residents.

Contention

While there appears to be general support for the bill among members focused on enhancing legal resources, some may raise concerns about the implications of increased court fees. Critics might argue that raising fees could disproportionately affect individuals with lower incomes who rely on public resources such as the law library. Additionally, there could be discussions on whether a fee increase is the most equitable solution for funding legal resources or if alternative funding mechanisms should be explored.