Bill
HB 774
House Bill 774 allows DeKalb County's Probate Court to charge a $5 technology fee per civil action, funding tech upgrades to improve court efficiency and public access.
House Bill 774, titled "Relating to Value-Added Products," was introduced on March 13, 2025, and has been enacted as Act 237 on June 27, 2025. This legislation authorizes the Probate Court of DeKalb County to assess and collect a technology fee to enhance its technological capabilities.
The primary purpose of HB 774 is to provide the Probate Court of DeKalb County with additional funding to improve its technological infrastructure. This is aimed at enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of court services through the acquisition of necessary technology.
Technology Fee Authorization: The bill allows the clerk of the Probate Court to charge a technology fee not exceeding $5.00 for each civil action filed with the court.
Authorized Uses of Funds: The collected fees are designated exclusively for:
Account Management: Funds collected will be maintained in a segregated account, ensuring they are used solely for the specified technological improvements.
Termination of Fee: The authority to collect this technology fee will terminate on July 1, 2035. Any remaining funds in the account at that time will be redirected to general technology uses within DeKalb County.
Repeal of Conflicting Laws: The bill includes a provision to repeal any laws that conflict with its terms.
Affected Parties: The legislation primarily impacts the Probate Court of DeKalb County, its staff, and the public utilizing its services. By improving technology, the court aims to enhance service delivery and record management.
Economic Development and Food Security: While the bill is specifically focused on technological improvements within the Probate Court, it is classified under broader subjects such as economic development and food security, indicating a potential link to enhancing overall community services.
HB 774 represents a strategic move to bolster the technological capabilities of the Probate Court of DeKalb County, ensuring that it can efficiently manage its operations and serve the public effectively. The implementation of a technology fee is a targeted approach to fund these improvements while maintaining transparency and accountability in the use of collected funds.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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