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Bill

HB 778

Upson County; Magistrate Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Dickey

Georgia's Upson County Magistrate Court gains authority to assess technology fees on court users, generating revenue but potentially creating barriers for low-income litigants.

Effective Date
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Bill Summary · HB 778

Legislative bill overview

HB 778 authorizes Upson County's Magistrate Court to assess and collect a technology fee from court users. The bill grants the court discretionary authority to implement this fee as a revenue source, which became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature on April 30, 2025.

Why is this important

Technology fees in courts help fund case management systems, digital filing platforms, and other infrastructure improvements that can increase court efficiency and accessibility. However, such fees directly impact court users—often lower-income individuals and small businesses—who must pay additional costs when accessing the judicial system.

Potential points of contention

  • Regressive impact: Court fees disproportionately burden low-income residents who cannot afford the additional cost of seeking justice or resolving legal disputes
  • Lack of accountability measures: The bill doesn't specify fee caps, how revenue will be used, or oversight mechanisms to ensure funds support only legitimate technology improvements
  • Discretionary authority without guidelines: Magistrate courts have broad discretion to set fee amounts without legislative parameters or public input requirements

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

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