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Bill

HB 1528

Franklin Springs, City of; Municipal Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alan Powell

Georgia authorizes Franklin Springs to charge municipal court litigants a technology fee to fund court information systems and digital infrastructure.

Effective Date
0
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Bill Summary · HB 1528

Legislative bill overview

HB 1528 authorizes the City of Franklin Springs, Georgia to assess and collect a technology fee through its municipal court system. The bill grants the city specific authority to impose this fee on court cases, with proceeds designated to support court-related technology infrastructure and services.

Why is this important

Municipal courts fund operations through fines, fees, and assessments, and technology costs have increased significantly for case management systems, digital records, and public access portals. This bill allows a specific municipality to directly fund these operational needs rather than relying solely on general revenue or court fines, which may improve court efficiency and accessibility for residents.

Potential points of contention

  • Fee burden on defendants: Adds another cost to individuals involved in municipal court cases, potentially affecting lower-income residents disproportionately
  • Fee cap and oversight: The bill does not specify a maximum fee amount, cap on total collections, or how proceeds must be used—creating potential for unchecked revenue generation
  • Transparency and accountability: No clear requirements for public reporting on technology fee collection or how funds are actually expended

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

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