Bill > HB0487

This bill comprehensively updates court clerk fees and administrative procedures across various types of Tennessee courts, with incremental fee increases scheduled from 2026 to 2028. The bill raises filing fees for different court proceedings, such as increasing fees for civil cases in circuit and chancery courts from $275 to $300 in 2027 and to $325 in 2028, and similarly adjusting fees for other types of legal proceedings like divorces, appeals, and estate-related filings. The legislation also introduces a new $2 privilege tax on civil and criminal cases to create a special court clerk continuing education account, which will fund training programs for court clerks. Additionally, the bill adds a $5 administrative fee for certain traffic violations and makes technical amendments to several existing statutes to align with the new fee structure. The bill standardizes rules around filing fees, including provisions for indigent parties to still access the court system, and requires the Tennessee state court clerks association to report on potential future fee increases by December 31, 2028. These changes are designed to support court administrative operations and provide resources for court clerk professional development while gradually increasing fees to offset rising costs.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0487&ga=114