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HB 790

Macon County; Probate Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patty Marie Stinson

House Bill 790 allows Macon County's Probate Court to charge a $5 technology fee to enhance digital services, improving public access to court records.

Effective Date
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Bill Summary · HB 790

Summary of House Bill 790

Bill Number: HB 790
Title: Macon County; Probate Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee
Status: Effective Date
Introduced: March 18, 2025
Author: Representative Stinson of the 150th

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 790 aims to authorize the Probate Court of Macon County to assess and collect a technology fee. The primary intent of this legislation is to enhance the technological capabilities of the Probate Court, ensuring that it can effectively manage its operations and provide better services to the public.

Key Provisions

  1. Technology Fee Assessment:

    • The clerk of the Probate Court is authorized to charge a technology fee of up to $5.00 for:
      • Each civil action filed with the court.
      • Each fine assessed by the court.

  2. Authorized Uses of the Fee:

    • The collected fees must be used exclusively for technological needs, which include:
      • Purchase of computer hardware, software, and accessories.
      • Lease, maintenance, and installation of computer hardware.
      • Acquisition of imaging, scanning, facsimile, communications, projection, and printing equipment and software.
      • Services or equipment for converting court records and archives to digital formats for public access.

  3. Fund Management:

    • Fees collected will be maintained in a segregated account by the clerk of the probate court, ensuring that funds are used solely for the specified technological purposes.

  4. Termination of Fee Authority:

    • The authority to collect the technology fee will terminate on July 1, 2035. Any remaining funds in the account after this date will be redirected to general technology uses within Macon County.

  5. Repeal of Conflicting Laws:

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

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • The legislation primarily impacts the Probate Court of Macon County, enhancing its technological infrastructure.
    • It may also affect individuals and entities that file civil actions or incur fines in the Probate Court, as they will be subject to the new technology fee.

  • Public Access:

    • By facilitating the conversion of court records to digital formats, the bill aims to improve public access to court documents and enhance overall transparency.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 18, 2025: Bill introduced and entered the House Hopper.
  • March 27, 2025: Passed by the House after favorable committee report.
  • March 31, 2025: Passed by the Senate after favorable committee report.
  • April 7, 2025: Sent to the Governor for approval.
  • April 30, 2025: Signed by the Governor and became Act 38, effective immediately.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 790, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and the impact it is expected to have on the Probate Court and the community it serves.

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

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