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 implementation of SB1023 is expected to positively affect the resources available for the St. Louis City law library, which has historically faced budget constraints. By allowing an increase in filing fees, the bill aims to ensure that legal professionals and the public have access to necessary legal literature and research materials. Additionally, the provision may also provide a model for other jurisdictions looking to sustain similar resources without solely relying on taxpayer funding.
Summary
Senate Bill 1023 proposes a modification to the existing court filing fee structure specifically for the circuit court in St. Louis City. The bill allows the court to collect a civil case filing fee of up to $20, instead of the previous cap of $15. The additional revenue generated from this fee is intended for specific uses such as maintaining a law library, which is crucial for providing legal resources and support to both the judiciary and the public. This bill emphasizes the importance of sustaining crucial legal services through enhanced funding mechanisms.
Contention
Notably, there is potential contention surrounding the increase of court filing fees, particularly among individuals with limited financial resources. Opponents may argue that raising the filing fee could act as a barrier to access justice for low-income residents, who may already struggle to afford legal representation. Furthermore, some may question whether the intended increase in library funding justifies raising costs for filing civil cases, as this could disproportionately affect those in vulnerable situations. As policymakers debate this bill, these concerns about equitable access to the court system and legal resources are likely to be a focal point of discussion.
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
Modifies provisions relating to prosecuting attorneys, including classification as state employees and the transfer of the Prosecuting Attorneys and Circuit Attorneys' Retirement System to the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System