HB1553: HB1553 Forest Park, City of; Municipal Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee

26 LC 47 4153/AP House Bill 1553 (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE) By: Representatives Burnough of the 77th, Scott of the 76th, and Neal of the 79th A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To authorize the assessment and collection of a technology fee by the Municipal Court of the1 City of Forest Park; to identify the authorized uses of such te chnology fee; to provide for2 related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.3 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:4 SECTION 1.5 (a) The clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Forest Par k is hereby authorized to6 charge and collect a technology fee to be set by the judge of the municipal court in an amount7 not to exceed $10.00 as a surcharge to each criminal and quasi-criminal fine paid to the court. 8 Such technology fees shall be used exclusively to provide for t echnological needs of the9 Municipal Court of the City of Forest Park and the city's police department. Such uses shall10 include only the following:11 (1) The purchase, lease, maintenance, and installation of general technology infrastructure,12 including computer hardware and software, and equipment used fo r imaging, scanning,13 facsimile transmission, communications, projections, and printing;14 (2) The implementation, maintenance, and upgrade of evidence management systems;15 H. B. 1553 - 1 - 26 LC 47 4153/AP (3) The purchase, upkeep, and support of specialized police te chnology, including16 associated equipment for body-worn, mobile, stationary, or vehi cle mounted cameras,17 license plate reader systems, and drones; and18 (4) Any other technology related equipment, system, or service deemed necessary by the19 governing body of the city for enhancing public safety for the effective operation of the20 court.21 (b) Funds collected pursuant to this section shall be maintained in a segregated account by22 the clerk of the municipal court and the chief financial officer of the city, and shall only be23 expended for authorized purposes upon the order of the judge of the court, following24 consulting with the court administrator and the chief of police. Such funds may be used to25 reimburse the city's information technology department for services provided to the court or26 police department.27 SECTION 2.28 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.29 H. B. 1553 - 2 -