Bill > HB48

This bill modifies the existing law regarding the Civil Legal Services Fund by increasing the maximum percentage of court system filing fees that can be appropriated to the fund from 10% to 25%. The fund is a special account within the state's general fund, designed to support organizations that provide civil legal services to low-income individuals. The bill defines "low-income individuals" as those with an income at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for Alaska, as set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The legislature may appropriate money to the fund from two sources: filing fees collected by the Alaska Court System and amounts deposited into the general fund under a specific statute. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that this does not create a dedicated fund, meaning the legislature retains discretion over funding allocations. By increasing the potential funding percentage, the bill could potentially provide more financial support for legal services to low-income Alaskans.

Justice

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB48