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HB 4095

CIV PRO-FEE WAIVER

104th Regular Session Introduced by Terra Costa Howard

Illinois bill establishing or modifying civil procedure fee waivers to reduce court filing costs for financially disadvantaged litigants seeking access to the civil justice system.

Referred to Rules Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4095

Legislative bill overview

HB 4095 appears to address civil procedure fee waivers in Illinois, likely allowing certain individuals to proceed with civil lawsuits without paying standard court filing fees. Based on the title, the bill would establish or modify mechanisms for low-income or financially disadvantaged parties to access the court system without prohibitive costs.

Why is this important

Access to courts is a fundamental aspect of the justice system, but filing fees can create barriers for economically disadvantaged individuals seeking legal remedies. Fee waiver provisions can affect court revenue, caseload management, and whether certain claims (particularly from lower-income Illinoisans) actually reach the judicial system.

Potential points of contention

  • Court funding impact: Waived fees reduce direct revenue to courts; critics may argue this strains judicial resources while supporters contend courts should serve all citizens regardless of income
  • Criteria for eligibility: Disagreement over income thresholds, asset limits, and documentation requirements—overly strict standards exclude vulnerable parties; overly lenient ones could reduce fees for those capable of paying
  • Scope of cases covered: Whether waivers apply to all civil cases or exclude certain categories (small claims, business disputes, etc.), affecting access disparities across case types

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

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