WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 174

Centerville, City of; Municipal Court; charge a technology fee

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bethany Ballard and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 174 allows Centerville's Municipal Court to charge a $5 technology fee on fines, funding tech upgrades for court and police services, enhancing efficiency.

Effective Date
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 174

Summary of House Bill 174 (HB 174)

Title

Centerville, City of; Municipal Court; charge a technology fee

Status

  • Effective Date: May 13, 2025

Introduction

House Bill 174 was introduced on January 14, 2025, by Representatives Bethany Ballard of the 147th District and Jones of the 143rd District. The bill aims to authorize the Municipal Court of the City of Centerville to implement a technology fee.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 174 is to provide the Municipal Court of Centerville with a mechanism to charge a technology fee on criminal and quasi-criminal fines. This fee is intended to support the technological needs of both the court and the city’s police department.

Key Provisions

  1. Technology Fee Implementation:

    • The clerk of the Municipal Court is authorized to charge a technology fee as a surcharge on each criminal and quasi-criminal fine.
    • The fee is capped at $5.00 and will be set by the court judge.

  2. Authorized Uses of the Fee:

    • The funds collected from the technology fee are designated for specific technological needs, including:
      • Purchase, lease, maintenance, and installation of computer hardware and software.
      • Purchase, lease, maintenance, and installation of imaging, scanning, facsimile, communications, projections, and printing equipment and software.

  3. Fund Management:

    • All collected fees must be maintained in a segregated account by the city’s chief financial officer and the clerk of court.
    • Expenditures from this account are restricted to the authorized technological purposes and must be directed by the city manager.
    • The funds may also be used to reimburse the city’s information technology department for services provided to the court or police department.

  4. Repeal of Conflicting Laws:

    • The bill includes a provision to repeal any laws that conflict with its enactment.

Impact

  • Affected Entities:
    • The Municipal Court of Centerville and the City of Centerville’s police department will directly benefit from the additional funding for technological improvements.
    • Individuals who pay fines in the Municipal Court will incur an additional charge of up to $5.00.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 14, 2025: Bill introduced.
  • January 21, 2025: Referred to the Legislative Affairs Committee.
  • February 5, 2025: Passed in the House.
  • February 12, 2025: Passed in the Senate.
  • April 7, 2025: Sent to the Governor.
  • May 13, 2025: Signed by the Governor and became Act 135, effective immediately.

Conclusion

House Bill 174 establishes a framework for the Municipal Court of Centerville to charge a technology fee to enhance its technological capabilities. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of court operations and police services in the city.

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

Sign in to ask a question.