Bill > HB181

This bill repeals the expiration date for the Basic Civil Legal Services Fund, which means the fund will now continue indefinitely. The fund, administered by the Missouri Supreme Court, collects money from court filing surcharges and other public or private sources to provide free legal representation to low-income individuals. Specifically, the fund supports legal services organizations that help eligible people (as defined by the Federal Legal Services Corporation's Income Eligibility Guidelines) with civil matters. The bill emphasizes priorities such as helping families, children, domestic violence victims, and elderly individuals, as well as assisting with Social Security benefits. Legal services programs are prohibited from using these funds to sue the state, and they must follow strict guidelines from the Legal Services Corporation. Recipients of the funds are required to maintain detailed financial records for five years and are subject to potential audits by the Missouri Supreme Court or state auditor. By removing the previous December 31, 2025 expiration date, the bill ensures continued support for basic civil legal services in Missouri.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB181&year=2025&code=R