2003 Senate Bill 435 / Public Act 96

Introduced in the Senate

May 1, 2003

Introduced by Sen. Hansen Clarke (D-1)

To establish state minimum court costs of $45 for each conviction of a serious misdemeanor or a specified misdemeanor, and $40 for each conviction of any other misdemeanor or ordinance violation. 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 containing technical changes that do not affect its substance as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

June 3, 2003

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

Received in the House

June 3, 2003

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

June 12, 2003

Reported without amendment

Without amendment.

July 1, 2003

Passed in the House 91 to 10 (details)

To establish state minimum court costs of $45 for each conviction of a serious misdemeanor or a specified misdemeanor, and $40 for each conviction of any other misdemeanor or ordinance violation. 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.

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

July 24, 2003