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Bill Summary · HB 701

Summary of House Bill 701 (HB 701)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 701 (HB 701) aims to authorize the Probate Court of Terrell County, Georgia, to assess and collect a technology fee. This fee is intended to support the technological needs of the court system, enhancing its operational efficiency and accessibility.

Key Provisions

  • Technology Fee Authorization:

    • The clerk of the Probate Court is allowed to charge a technology fee of up to $5.00 for:
    • Each civil action filed in the Probate Court.
    • Each criminal fine assessed by the Probate Court.
    • Each civil action filed in the Magistrate Court.
    • Each criminal fine assessed by the Magistrate Court.

  • Use of Collected Fees:

    • The fees collected will be exclusively used for:
    • Purchasing computer hardware, software, and accessories.
    • Leasing, maintaining, and installing computer hardware and software.
    • Acquiring audio-visual and imaging equipment, as well as software for communications and printing.
    • Converting court records and archives to digital formats for public access.

  • Accountability and Oversight:

    • Funds collected will be maintained in a segregated account, subject to audit by an approved auditor from the governing authority of Terrell County.

  • Termination of Fee:

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

  • Repeal of Conflicting Laws:

    • The bill includes provisions to repeal any laws that conflict with its enactment.

Affected Parties

  • Probate Court and Magistrate Court: The bill directly impacts the operations of the Probate Court and the Magistrate Court in Terrell County by providing them with additional funding for technological improvements.
  • Court Users: Individuals filing civil actions or facing criminal fines in these courts will be subject to the new technology fees.
  • Terrell County Residents: The overall efficiency and accessibility of court services may improve, benefiting the community at large.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: March 3, 2025
  • House Actions:
    • Passed on March 13, 2025
    • Sent to the Senate on March 6, 2025
  • Senate Actions:
    • Passed on March 25, 2025
    • Returned to the House with amendments on April 8, 2025
  • Final Actions:
    • Received notice of appointment of House conferees on April 23, 2025
    • Signed by the Governor on April 30, 2025
    • Effective Date: April 30, 2025

Related Legislation

  • SB 879: A companion bill that may address similar issues or provisions related to the technology fee.

This summary provides an overview of HB 701, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and procedural timeline, making it accessible for readers seeking to understand the bill's implications.

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

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