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HB 384

Civil Legal Assistance Fund; impose state assessment for certain criminal offenses to fund.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Percy Watson

Mississippi bill creates Civil Legal Assistance Fund financed by assessments imposed on criminal defendants for certain offenses to fund civil legal aid.

Referred To Judiciary A;Appropriations A
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Bill Summary · HB 384

Legislative bill overview

HB 384 proposes creating a Civil Legal Assistance Fund by imposing a state assessment on certain criminal offenses in Mississippi. The revenue generated from these assessments would be dedicated to funding civil legal assistance programs, likely for low-income individuals navigating civil court matters unrelated to their criminal cases.

Why is this important

Civil legal assistance addresses critical gaps in access to justice for economically disadvantaged individuals in areas like housing, family law, and consumer protection. This funding mechanism attempts to address chronic underfunding of legal aid services without requiring direct legislative appropriations, though it places financial burdens on individuals with criminal convictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Regressive impact: Criminal defendants, particularly low-income individuals, would bear the cost of funding civil legal services through court assessments, potentially creating a two-tiered justice system where those convicted subsidize services
  • Assessment scope and amount: The bill's effectiveness depends on which offenses trigger assessments and the assessment amount—details that could significantly impact court system finances and defendant affordability
  • Constitutional concerns: Questions may arise about whether using criminal penalties as a funding mechanism for unrelated civil services violates principles of proportionality or creates excessive fines issues under the Eighth Amendment

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

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