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HB 778

RELATING TO INTEGRATED LAND USE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kirstin Kahaloa

House Bill 778 allows Upson County's Magistrate Court to charge a $5 technology fee per civil action to fund tech upgrades, improving court efficiency and public access.

Act 187, 06/06/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1287).
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Bill Summary · HB 778

Summary of House Bill 778: Integrated Land Use

Overview

House Bill 778, titled "Relating to Integrated Land Use," was introduced on March 18, 2025, and has since been enacted as Act 187 on June 6, 2025. The bill primarily focuses on the assessment and collection of a technology fee by the Magistrate Court of Upson County, Georgia, aimed at enhancing the court's technological capabilities.

Purpose and Intent

The main purpose of HB 778 is to authorize the Magistrate Court of Upson County to implement a technology fee that will fund necessary technological improvements. This initiative is intended to modernize court operations, improve efficiency, and enhance public access to court records.

Key Provisions

  • Technology Fee Assessment:

    • The clerk of the Magistrate Court is authorized to charge a technology fee not exceeding $5.00 for each civil action filed and an additional $5.00 surcharge on each fine assessed by the court.

  • Authorized Uses of Funds:

    • The collected fees are designated exclusively for:
    • 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.

  • Account Management:

    • Funds collected will be maintained in a segregated account specifically for the authorized technological uses outlined in the bill.

  • Termination of Fee:

    • 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 Upson County.

  • Repeal of Conflicting Laws:

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

Impact

The enactment of HB 778 will primarily affect the operations of the Magistrate Court in Upson County, enabling it to enhance its technological infrastructure. This modernization is expected to improve the efficiency of court processes and increase public access to court records, thereby benefiting both court staff and the community.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: March 18, 2025
  • Passed House: March 27, 2025
  • Passed Senate: April 2, 2025
  • Signed by Governor: April 30, 2025
  • Effective Date: April 30, 2025
  • Termination of Fee: July 1, 2035

Conclusion

House Bill 778 represents a significant step towards modernizing the technological capabilities of the Magistrate Court of Upson County. By establishing a dedicated funding mechanism through a technology fee, the bill aims to enhance court operations and improve public access to judicial resources.

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

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