WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 596

RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tina Grandinetti and 8 co-sponsors

HB 596 allows Colquitt County to collect a $10 fee on traffic fines to fund tech upgrades for the State Court and Sheriff’s Office, enhancing efficiency until 2035.

Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 732).
#definitions #disasters #emergencies #emergencymanagement
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 596

Summary of House Bill 596 (HB 596)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 596 (HB 596) aims to authorize the State Court of Colquitt County to assess and collect a technology fee. This fee is intended to support the technological needs of the court and the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, thereby enhancing their operational capabilities and efficiency.

Key Provisions

  • Technology Fee: The bill allows the clerk of the State Court of Colquitt County to impose a $10.00 surcharge on each fine assessed for violations of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.), which pertains to motor vehicles and traffic.

  • Authorized Uses: The collected fees are designated exclusively for:

    1. Purchasing computer hardware and software.
    2. Leasing, maintaining, and installing computer systems.
    3. Acquiring audio-visual and communications equipment (including imaging, scanning, and printing technologies).
    4. Conserving court and sheriff records and transitioning them to digital formats for public access.

  • Fund Management: The funds collected will be kept in a segregated account managed by the clerk of the State Court, ensuring that they are used solely for the specified technological purposes.

  • Termination of Fee: The authority to collect this technology fee will expire on July 1, 2035. Any remaining funds after this date will be redirected to general technology needs within Colquitt County.

  • Repeal of Conflicting Laws: The bill includes a provision to repeal any existing laws that conflict with its terms.

Impact

  • Affected Entities: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation are the State Court of Colquitt County and the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, which will gain access to improved technology and resources.

  • Financial Implications: The implementation of the technology fee is expected to generate additional revenue specifically earmarked for technological enhancements, thereby potentially improving the efficiency and effectiveness of court and law enforcement operations.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: February 24, 2025
  • House Passed: March 4, 2025
  • Senate Passed: March 13, 2025
  • Signed by Governor: May 13, 2025
  • Effective Date: May 13, 2025

Conclusion

HB 596 represents a targeted effort to enhance the technological infrastructure of the State Court of Colquitt County and the Sheriff’s Office through a modest fee on traffic-related fines. By establishing a dedicated funding source, the bill aims to ensure that both entities can better serve the public and manage their operations effectively.

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

Sign in to ask a question.