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SB 1338

An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in governance of the system, further providing for fee increases and automation fee.

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

SB 1338 would adjust judiciary governance and authorize higher court fees, including a dedicated automation fee to fund technology and modernization efforts.

Referred to Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1338

Bill Summary: SB 1338 (Pennsylvania, 2025-2026)

Purpose and intent

SB 1338 amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, focusing on governance of the system and specifically addressing fee increases and automation fees. The bill’s primary aim appears to adjust financial mechanisms within the judiciary, likely to support modernization, operational costs, or other administrative needs, through changes to fee structures.

Key provisions and changes

  • Governance of the system: Modifies provisions related to how the judicial system is governed, potentially altering oversight, administration, or funding processes within the judiciary.
  • Fee increases: Establishes or authorizes increases to certain court-related fees. This could affect filing fees, service fees, or other charges assessed by courts.
  • Automation fee: Adds or edits an automation-related fee, directed at funding technology and automation improvements within the judiciary (e.g., case management systems, online services, electronic filing infrastructure).

Note: The exact dollar amounts, percentage increases, and the specific fee categories affected are not provided in the available information. The bill text would specify which fees rise, by how much, and the effective dates.

Who would be affected

  • Court users and filers: Individuals and entities paying court fees (e.g., litigants, attorneys, businesses) would be directly impacted by any increases.
  • Judiciary and court administration: State and local court clerks and administrative offices implementing fee changes and managing automation investments would implement and monitor the new fee structure.
  • Taxpayers and residents: Since fee changes support judiciary operations, there may be indirect impacts on state and local public finances.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Current status: As of the latest action history, SB 1338 has been referred to the Judiciary Committee (May 20, 2026). This means the bill is at an early stage of the legislative process and could undergo amendments, hearings, and voting in committee before potential floor consideration.
  • Next steps: If advanced by the Judiciary Committee, the bill would proceed to the full Senate for debate and voting, followed by potential consideration in the House of Representatives and, ultimately, the governor’s signature or veto. Amendments could adjust the scope of fee increases, categories affected, or the specifics of the automation funding mechanism.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Access to justice and affordability: Any increase in court fees can affect affordability for self-represented litigants and organized interests; considerations may include exemptions, waivers, or sliding scales, if included in the bill or by administrative rule.
  • Judiciary modernization: The automation fee suggests a push toward enhanced technology, potentially improving efficiency, digital filing, case management, and public access to information.
  • Fiscal effects: Additional revenue from higher fees would support judiciary operations and modernization efforts, but exact amounts and how funds are allocated would be defined in the bill and subsequent fiscal notes.

Summary

SB 1338 seeks to adjust the governance framework of the Pennsylvania judiciary and authorize increases in certain court fees, including a dedicated automation fee to fund technology and modernization efforts. The bill is currently before the Judiciary Committee, with its final impact contingent on enacted fee schedules, exemptions, and the legislative process.

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

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