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HB 5401

Trust Funds of the State Court System

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patt Maney

Establishes and governs management, use, and accountability of Florida State Court System trust funds to improve transparency, fiduciary duties, and program financing.

Chapter No. 2026-160
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Bill Summary · HB 5401

Overview

HB 5401, enacted in 2026 by the Florida Legislature and signed into law as Chapter 2026-160, relates to the Trust Funds of the State Court System. The measure appears to address management, use, and oversight of trust funds within the state court system. The bill was introduced with a sponsor and co-sponsor, with rapid advancement through the legislative process, culminating in a 105-0 House vote and subsequent gubernatorial approval and signing.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish or modify the framework governing trust funds held by the Florida State Court System.
  • Clarify permissible uses, administration, and fiduciary responsibilities related to court trust funds.
  • Improve financial management, transparency, and accountability in the handling of court-related funds.

Key Provisions and Changes

Note: The exact text of the provisions is not provided here; the summary reflects typical elements such bills include and the context from the action history. The following are potential core components based on the title and related practices:

  • Definition and Scope

    • Specifies what constitutes “trust funds” within the state court system (e.g., fees, fines, restitution, court-ordered assessments, or dedicated endowments).
    • Identifies authorized recipients and uses of these funds.

  • Administration and Oversight

    • Establishes or reaffirms roles for state court administrators, clerks, or treasuries in the receipt, custody, investment, and disbursement of trust funds.
    • Sets fiduciary standards and reporting requirements to ensure prudent management.

  • Allocation and Expenditures

    • Details permissible expenditures from trust funds (e.g., funding for court programs, access to justice initiatives, courthouse security, technology upgrades, or indigent defense support).
    • May create constraints or prioritization rules to ensure funds are used in line with legislative intent.

  • Investment and Earnings

    • Addresses investment of trust fund assets and disposition of earnings or interest.
    • Specifies permissible investments and any required annual reporting of investment performance.

  • Transparency and Reporting

    • Increases reporting requirements to the Legislature or the public, including annual financial statements, audits, or program evaluators.
    • May require summaries of fund balances, sources of funds, and uses.

  • Compliance and Penalties

    • Establishes compliance mechanisms and potential penalties for mismanagement or misallocation of funds.

Who Would Be Affected

  • State Court System agencies, including administrative offices and clerks of court responsible for fund administration.
  • Court-related programs and initiatives funded by trust accounts (e.g., access to justice, technology, security, and support services).
  • Potential recipients of grant-like allocations or program funding derived from court trust funds.
  • State taxpayers and defendants/claimants benefiting indirectly from enhanced court funding and services.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and First Reading: Filed and introduced in February 2026.
  • Committee and Floor Action: Referred to Appropriations and related committees; advanced through readings and third readings in February 2026.
  • Conference and Final Passage: A conference process occurred in February 2026 to reconcile differences.
  • House Passage: Final House vote on February 20, 2026 (YEAS 105, NAYS 0).
  • Senate Consideration: Movement to the Senate with messages and potential acceptance or amendment.
  • Governor Action: Approved by the Governor on June 16, 2026; signed and presented to the Governor on June 15, 2026; Chapter No. 2026-160 enacted on June 17, 2026.

Effective Date

  • The act became law in June 2026 (Chapter 2026-160). Specific effective dates for different sections may vary (e.g., immediate effect or phased implementation) as specified in the enacted statute.

Additional Notes

  • Co-sponsor: Patt Maney.
  • The final enrolled act would include any clarifications or adjustments made during the conference committee process and final drafting.

If you would like, I can pull the actual statutory text and provide a section-by-section breakdown of each provision, including any new definitions, fund types, and reporting requirements.

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

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