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Bill

SB 1339

An Act amending the act of November 26, 1982 (P.L.744, No.203), referred to as the Prothonotary Fee Law, further providing for automation fee for prothonotary's office.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Carolyn Comitta and 5 co-sponsors

SB 1339 would modify the automation fee charged by PA prothonotaries, specifying changes to how automation-related services are funded and administered.

Referred to Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1339

Bill overview

  • Bill: SB 1339
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Title: An Act amending the act of November 26, 1982 (P.L.744, No.203), referred to as the Prothonotary Fee Law, further providing for automation fee for prothonotary's office.
  • Action: Referred to Judiciary (May 20, 2026)
  • Sponsors: L. Culver, E. Vogel, C. Comitta, J. Ward, J. Kane, T. Kearney (co-sponsors)

Purpose and intent

SB 1339 proposes amendments to the Prothonotary Fee Law to modify, clarify, or expand the automation fee assessed by the prothonotary’s office. The bill’s stated aim is to adjust the statutory framework governing automation-related charges, presumably to reflect updated costs, funding needs, or administration of electronic/automated processes in the prothonotary’s office. The exact policy motivators (e.g., funding for technology upgrades, maintenance, or service modernization) are not specified in the summary, but the focus is on the automation fee provision within the Prothonotary Fee Law.

Key provisions and changes (as proposed)

  • Amendment to the Prothonotary Fee Law (1982 Act) addressing the automation fee.
  • The bill would UOD or modify the existing automation fee that prothonotary offices may levy or collect in connection with automation/technology-enabled services.
  • Potential changes could include:
    • The amount of the automation fee (in dollar terms or formula).
    • The scope of services to which the automation fee applies (e.g., document recording, certified copies, case records, docket access).
    • Administrative procedures for collecting, remitting, or accounting for the fee.
    • Transparency or reporting requirements related to how automation fee revenues are used (e.g., earmarking for technology upgrades, maintenance, or IT staff).
  • The exact textual changes (percentages, dollar caps, sunset provisions, or exemptions) are not provided in the summary prompt; the bill would implement such specifics if enacted.

Who/what would be affected

  • Primary: Prothonotary offices in Pennsylvania (county-level clerks of the court who manage civil/other docketed records and related documents).
  • Beneficiaries: Individuals and entities engaging with the prothonotary's office for services subject to the automation fee (e.g., filers, researchers, attorneys seeking records, certified copies).
  • Potential indirect effects:
    • Filers and consumers may see changes in total fees for certain electronic/automation-enabled services.
    • Prothonotary offices would have altered revenue streams dedicated to IT infrastructure, upgrades, and automation initiatives.
    • Law firms, title companies, and other stakeholders relying on prothonotary services may experience changes in fee structures or processing timelines if automation investments affect efficiency.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Referred to Judiciary as of May 20, 2026.
  • Next steps (typical legislative process):
    • Committee consideration (Judiciary) to review fiscal impact, cost-benefit, and policy implications.
    • Potential amendments or clarifications proposed in committee.
    • Floor consideration in the Senate, followed by House action and potential final concurrence or reconciliation.
    • If enacted, the bill would become law on a specified effective date, with any transition rules for existing automation fee collections.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • fiscal impact: The bill would likely influence revenue for prothonotary offices earmarked for automation-related expenditures; the precise impact depends on the final fee amounts and scope.
  • governance and oversight: Changes may include reporting requirements to ensure funds are used for technology projects and ongoing maintenance.
  • access and affordability: Any increase in the automation fee could affect the cost of accessing court records and related services; conversely, investments in automation could improve service speed and reliability.

Notes

  • This summary reflects available information from the bill’s title and action history. The full text would provide precise definitions, fee amounts, exemptions, caps, sunset provisions (if any), and implementation dates.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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