WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 591

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

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stan Gunter and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 591 allows Cleveland's Municipal Court to charge a $10 technology fee on fines, funding tech upgrades for the court and police, enhancing efficiency and service.

Effective Date
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 591

Summary of House Bill 591

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 591
  • Title: Cleveland, City of; Municipal Court; charge a technology fee
  • Status: Effective Date
  • Introduced: February 21, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 591 aims to authorize the Municipal Court of the City of Cleveland to implement a technology fee. This fee is intended to enhance the technological capabilities of the court and the city's police department, ensuring they have the necessary tools and resources to operate efficiently.

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 paid.
    • The maximum fee that can be charged is $10.00, which will be determined by the judge of the court.

  2. Authorized Uses of the Fee:

    • The funds collected from this fee will be exclusively used for:
      • Purchase, lease, maintenance, and installation of computer hardware and software.
      • Purchase, lease, maintenance, and installation of equipment and software for imaging, scanning, facsimile, communications, projections, and printing.

  3. Fund Management:

    • All collected fees will be maintained in a segregated account managed by the chief financial officer of the city and the clerk of court.
    • The funds can only be expended for the specified technological needs upon the direction of 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 existing laws that conflict with its provisions.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:
    • This legislation primarily affects individuals who are fined by the Municipal Court of Cleveland, as they will incur an additional technology fee.
    • The Municipal Court and the Cleveland Police Department will benefit from improved technology and resources, which may enhance their operational efficiency and service delivery.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 21, 2025: Bill introduced in the House.
  • February 27, 2025: Bill passed by the House.
  • February 28, 2025: Bill read and referred to the Senate.
  • March 10, 2025: Bill passed by the Senate and favorably reported by the Senate Committee.
  • April 7, 2025: Bill sent to the Governor.
  • May 13, 2025: Bill signed by the Governor and became Act 150, effective immediately.

Conclusion

House Bill 591 establishes a framework for the Municipal Court of Cleveland to charge a technology fee, thereby providing necessary funding for technological improvements. This initiative is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of both the court and the police department, ultimately benefiting the community they serve.

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

Sign in to ask a question.