Minnesota Senate Bill SF199

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/23
• Refer: 1/12/23

Caption

Fees for uncertified copies of documents limitation to the cost of producing the copy establishment; fees for viewing and downloading district court documents made available online prohibition

Impact

Should this bill pass, it will significantly alter the current statutory framework governing court fees. This change is expected to enhance public access to legal documents, supporting transparency within the judicial system. It will eliminate the financial disincentive for individuals seeking to access court records, especially those who may struggle to afford current fees. Courts will have to adapt to these changes in their fee-collecting practices and may need to adjust their budgets accordingly.

Summary

SF199 proposes to amend Minnesota Statutes to limit the fees that can be charged for uncertified copies of district court documents to merely the cost of producing such copies, with a maximum limit set at $8. Additionally, it prohibits any fees for viewing or downloading documents that have been made available online for public access. This bill is aimed at making public court records more accessible to the general public by reducing the financial burden associated with obtaining these documents.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from advocates who promote open access to legal documents, there are concerns among some legislative members regarding the potential financial implications for court systems. Some opponents argue that this could result in lost revenue for the courts, which may need to rely on alternative funding mechanisms to compensate for the reduction in fees collected. Such financial concerns could spark a broader debate about the sustainability of funding the judicial system without adequate fee structures in place.