2003 Senate Bill 433

Introduced in the Senate

May 1, 2003

Introduced by Sen. Michael Switalski (D-10)

To replace certain court fees with a new (and higher) justice system assessment fee of $35 on all traffic tickets, except for parking violations or violations with a total fine and costs of $10 or less. This is a $10 increase over current ticket fees. The payments would be deposited into a new Justice System Fund which would replace some of the general fund money now used to pay for the judiciary. This bill is one of many authorizing fee increases included in Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s proposal to close a gap between state spending and expected revenue in the Fiscal Year 2003-2004 budget. The legislative package would fix the amount of various court fees and reduce the discretion of judges to waive fees in certain cases.

Referred to the Committee on Appropriations

May 27, 2003

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 29, 2003

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one which hikes traffic ticket fees by $15 from the current amount, instead of $10.

The substitute passed by voice vote

June 3, 2003

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

To replace certain court fees with a new (and higher) justice system assessment fee of $40 on all traffic tickets, except for parking violations or violations with a total fine and costs of $10 or less. This is a $15 increase over current ticket fees. The payments would be deposited into a new Justice System Fund which would replace some of the general fund money now used to pay for the judiciary. This bill is one of many authorizing fee increases included in Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s proposal to close a gap between state spending and expected revenue in the Fiscal Year 2003-2004 budget. The legislative package would fix the amount of various court fees and reduce the discretion of judges to waive fees in certain cases.

Received in the House

June 3, 2003

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary