Bill > SB300

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to establish two key provisions: First, it introduces a permanent $2.25 surcharge on civil action filings, with the revenue specifically designated to support legal representation in property forfeiture proceedings. Second, the bill creates a new legal framework for providing attorneys to individuals contesting property forfeitures who cannot afford legal representation. Specifically, the bill mandates that if a person is contesting the forfeiture of real property and cannot afford an attorney, the court of common pleas must provide legal representation. For other property forfeiture cases where the person has not been charged in a related criminal case, the court may provide an attorney at its discretion. When deciding whether to provide legal representation, the court must consider the claimant's legal standing and whether the claim appears to be made in good faith. Each county is required to develop procedures for administering this new legal representation program using the funds collected from the new civil filing surcharge. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing time for counties to prepare their implementation procedures.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=300