Bill > SB391

This bill repeals the expiration date for the Basic Civil Legal Services Fund, which means the fund will now continue indefinitely instead of ending on December 31, 2025. The fund, administered by the Missouri Supreme Court, collects money from court filing surcharges and potentially other public or private sources to provide legal representation to low-income individuals in civil matters. The fund's primary purpose is to help eligible persons (as defined by the Federal Legal Services Corporation's Income Eligibility Guidelines) access legal services. Legal services organizations receiving funds from this account must use the money solely to represent low-income individuals in civil cases, with a high priority on families, children, domestic violence victims, and the elderly. The bill maintains existing restrictions, such as prohibiting legal services programs from using state funds to sue the state, its agencies, or officials. Recipients of the funds must maintain detailed financial records for five years and are subject to potential audits by the Missouri Supreme Court or state auditor. The Missouri Supreme Court is also required to submit an annual report to the general assembly detailing the fund's money collection and distribution by judicial circuit.

Justice

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=309