HB1297: HB1297 Pierce County; Magistrate Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee

26 LC 47 3956/AP House Bill 1297 (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE) By: Representative Meeks of the 178th A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To authorize the assessment and collection of a technology fee by the Magistrate Court of1 Pierce County; to identify the authorized uses of such technolo gy fee; to provide for the2 termination of such technology fee and dedication of residual funds; to provide for related3 matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:5 SECTION 1.6 (a) The clerk of the Magistrate Court of Pierce County is hereby authorized to charge and7 collect a technology fee to be set by the chief magistrate in an amount not to exceed $10.008 for the filing of each civil action with the court and not to exceed $10.00 as a surcharge upon9 each fine assessed by the court. Such technology fees shall be used exclusively to provide10 for technological needs of the Magistrate Court of Pierce County. Such uses shall include11 only the following:12 (1) Computer hardware and software purchases;13 (2) Lease, maintenance, and installation of computer hardware and software;14 (3) Purchase, lease, maintenance, and installation of audio-vi sual imaging, scanning,15 facsimile, communications, projection, and printing equipment and software; and16 H. B. 1297 - 1 - 26 LC 47 3956/AP (4) Procurement of services and equipment for the conservation of court records and17 archiving the same to digital contents for public access.18 (b) Funds collected pursuant to this section shall be maintained in a segregated account by19 the clerk of the magistrate court and shall be used only for th e purposes authorized in this20 section.21 (c) The authority to assess the technology fee pursuant to thi s Act shall terminate on22 July 1, 2036, and any residual funds remaining in the account established by subsection (b)23 of this section shall remain dedicated to general Pierce County technology uses.24 SECTION 2.25 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.26 H. B. 1297 - 2 -