Missouri Senate Bill SB18

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/16/25

Caption

Allows the circuit court of St. Louis City to collect a civil case filing fee of an amount not to exceed $20, rather than $15, for certain uses, including the maintenance of a law library

Impact

The enactment of SB 18 has the potential to generate additional revenue for the St. Louis City circuit court, which may allocate these funds towards improving court services and resources, particularly in enhancing access to legal information through the law library. This initiative aims to better support both legal practitioners and the general public who rely on these resources for legal research and case preparation.

Summary

Senate Bill 18 introduces a change to the civil case filing fee structure specifically for the circuit court of St. Louis City. The bill allows the court to set a civil filing fee of up to $20, increased from the previous limit of $15. This change is intended to support various functions within the legal system, including the maintenance of a law library. The amendment reflects ongoing adjustments to meet operational and informational needs of the court and the community it serves.

Contention

While the regulations set forth by SB 18 appear straightforward, they may generate discussion regarding the financial burden placed on individuals filing civil cases. Critics could argue that increasing filing fees may disproportionately affect low-income individuals seeking access to justice. However, proponents of the bill would likely emphasize the necessity of maintaining adequate judicial resources and supporting the essential functions of the courts.