Courts - Surcharges and Payment to Special Funds
One notable aspect of HB693 is the establishment of the Rental Assistance Special Fund, which is designed to support rental assistance efforts. The revenue generated from the surcharges collected will provide funding for initiatives aimed at preventing evictions and supporting tenants facing housing instability. This fund is structured to be a nonlapsing fund, indicating that funds will be available indefinitely unless otherwise stated, thereby ensuring continued support for rental assistance programs.
House Bill 693 seeks to amend existing Maryland laws regarding court surcharges and the allocation of funds collected from civil case fees. The primary objective of this bill is to increase certain surcharges on fees, charges, and costs associated with civil cases in both circuit courts and the District Court. Specifically, it proposes raising the maximum surcharge from $55 to $85 per case. These surcharges will be directed into the Maryland Legal Services Corporation Fund, which supports legal aid programs in the state.
Discussions around HB693 may focus on the implications of increased court surcharges. Proponents argue that raising these surcharges is essential for enhancing legal services and support for low-income tenants who might otherwise face eviction without proper legal representation. However, critics may voice concerns over the potential burden such increased fees place on individuals involved in civil litigation, particularly those already facing financial hardship. The transformational impact on the funding structure for these legal services and the accessibility of the judicial system could spark significant debate in the legislative environment.