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Bill Summary · HB 538

Summary of House Bill 538 (HB 538)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 538 (HB 538) aims to authorize the Probate Court of Schley County, Georgia, to assess and collect a technology fee. This fee is intended to support the technological needs of the court, enhancing its operational efficiency and public access to court records.

Key Provisions

  • Technology Fee Authorization:

    • The clerk of the Probate Court is permitted to charge a technology fee of up to $5.00 for each civil action filed and as a surcharge on fines assessed by the court.

  • Authorized Uses of the Fee:

    • The collected fees must be used exclusively for specific technological enhancements, including:
    • 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.

  • Financial Management:

    • Funds collected will be maintained in a segregated account, subject to audit by an approved auditor. This ensures transparency and accountability in the use of the funds.

  • 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 for general technology uses within Schley County.

Affected Parties

  • Schley County Probate Court: The primary beneficiary of this bill, as it will receive additional funding to improve its technological capabilities.
  • Court Users: Individuals filing civil actions or facing fines in the Probate Court will be subject to the new technology fee.
  • Schley County Residents: The broader community may benefit from improved access to court records and services due to enhanced technology.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Journey:

    • Introduced on February 20, 2025, HB 538 has undergone several readings and committee reviews before being signed into law.
    • The bill was signed by the Governor on April 30, 2025, and became effective on the same day.

  • Conflict Repeal: The bill includes a provision to repeal any conflicting laws, ensuring that it stands as the governing statute regarding the technology fee.

Conclusion

HB 538 represents a targeted effort to modernize the Probate Court of Schley County through the introduction of a technology fee. By providing a dedicated funding source for technological improvements, the bill aims to enhance court operations and public access to judicial services, with a clear timeline for the fee's termination and management of residual funds.

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

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