HCS HB 427 -- BASIC CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES FUND

SPONSOR:  Byrd

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Judiciary by a vote of 18 to 0.

This substitute creates the Basic Civil Legal Services Fund.  The
fund will increase the public money available for civil legal
services for low-income persons, as defined by the federal Legal
Services Corporation Income Eligibility Guidelines.  To fund the
program, a $20 fee will be assessed upon the filing of every
civil or criminal proceeding in circuit court and any appellate
court; a $10 fee will be assessed upon filings in associate
circuit court.  The Missouri Supreme Court or its designee will
administer the fund.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Effect on Basic Civil Legal Services
Fund of $0 in FY 2004, FY 2005, and FY 2006.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that it is vitally necessary to
establish a reliable and consistent source of funding for the
state's legal aid services.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Byrd; Missouri Bar
Board of Governors; Missouri's Legal Aid Offices; and Missouri
Supreme Court.

OPPOSITION:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Julie Jinkens McNitt, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:11 am