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HB 837

Richmond County; Probate Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lynn Heffner and 4 co-sponsors

House Bill 837 allows Richmond County's Probate Court to charge a $10 technology fee per civil action, funding tech upgrades for better public access to court records.

Effective Date
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Bill Summary · HB 837

Summary of House Bill 837 (HB 837)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 837 aims to authorize the Probate Court of Richmond County, Georgia, to assess and collect a technology fee. This fee is intended to support the technological needs of the court, ensuring that it can effectively manage its operations and improve public access to court records.

Key Provisions

  • Technology Fee Assessment:

    • The Probate Court clerk is authorized to charge a technology fee not exceeding $10.00 for each civil action filed with the court.

  • Authorized Uses of the Fee:

    • The collected fees must be used exclusively for:
    • Purchasing computer hardware and software.
    • Leasing, maintaining, and installing computer hardware and software.
    • Acquiring imaging, scanning, facsimile, communications, projection, and printing equipment and software.
    • Services and equipment for conserving court records and archiving them digitally for public access.

  • Account Management:

    • Funds collected will be maintained in a segregated account by the clerk of the Probate Court and can only be used for the specified technological purposes.

  • Termination of Fee:

    • The authority to assess this 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 Richmond County.

  • Repeal of Conflicting Laws:

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

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • This legislation primarily affects the Probate Court of Richmond County and its operations. It also impacts individuals filing civil actions in the court, as they will incur the technology fee.

  • Technological Improvements:

    • The bill is expected to enhance the court's technological capabilities, improving efficiency and public access to court records.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: March 25, 2025
  • House Passed: March 31, 2025
  • Senate Passed: April 2, 2025
  • Sent to Governor: April 8, 2025
  • Signed by Governor: May 13, 2025
  • Effective Date: May 13, 2025

This bill represents a proactive step towards modernizing the Probate Court's operations in Richmond County, ensuring that it can meet the demands of the public and maintain efficient service delivery.

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

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