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SB 327

Marion County small claims fees.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cyndi Carrasco and 3 co-sponsors

SB 327 adjusts Marion County small claims court filing fees following Senate amendments, affecting legal access costs for residents and small businesses in Indiana's largest county.

First reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary
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Bill Summary · SB 327

Legislative bill overview

SB 327 modifies small claims court filing fees and procedures specific to Marion County, Indiana. The bill passed the Senate with overwhelming support (48-1) and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. The exact fee adjustments are not detailed in the legislative actions provided, though the amendments made during second reading suggest revisions to the fee structure.

Why is this important

Small claims court fees directly affect access to justice for ordinary citizens and small businesses seeking to recover modest debts or resolve disputes without hiring attorneys. Changes to Marion County's fees could either improve accessibility by lowering costs or generate additional court revenue, depending on the direction of the amendments. Marion County includes Indianapolis, Indiana's largest population center, making this policy impactful for a significant portion of the state's residents.

Potential points of contention

  • Access to justice concerns: Raising fees may create barriers for low-income individuals trying to pursue legitimate claims, while lowering fees could reduce court funding
  • Fairness between counties: Establishing Marion County-specific fees rather than statewide uniformity could create inconsistency in how residents across Indiana access the judicial system
  • Adequacy of court resources: Fee changes may be tied to whether Marion County courts have sufficient funding for operations, creating debate over whether litigants or taxpayers should bear costs

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

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