Bill > SB355

This bill repeals the expiration date for the Basic Civil Legal Services Fund, which means the fund will now continue indefinitely rather than 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, with the primary purpose of providing legal representation to low-income individuals in civil matters. The bill specifies that funds must be distributed to legal services organizations that qualify for Federal Legal Services Corporation funding, with allocations based on the corporation's funding formula. Recipients must use the funds solely to provide legal services to low-income individuals as defined by the Federal Legal Services Corporation's Income Eligibility Guidelines, with a high priority on serving families, children, domestic violence victims, and the elderly. The bill maintains existing provisions requiring recipients to maintain financial records for five years, allows for audits by the Missouri Supreme Court or state auditor, and mandates an annual report to the general assembly detailing fund collections and disbursements by judicial circuit. By removing the expiration date, the bill ensures continued support for basic civil legal services in Missouri.

Justice

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=385