2024 House Bill 5534 / Public Act 47

AI Analysis – Experimental

MI H.B.5534, known as the "Trial Court Funding Act of 2024," was enacted to reform the funding system for trial courts in Michigan. Key provisions include:

Analysis of Costs and Revenue: The Michigan Supreme Court is tasked with analyzing trial court costs and revenue sources. This includes developing a fee schedule for trial courts, recommending a debt collection system, and proposing legislative changes to support trial court funding.

Operational Costs Definition: The act defines operational costs to include necessary expenses such as technology and internet access but excludes costs unrelated to court operations like prosecution or defense expenses.

Maintenance of Effort: The state court administrative office will work with local governments to ensure funding reflects actual operational costs, excluding unrelated expenditures.

Revenue and Funding Analysis: By May 1, 2026, the state court administrative office must determine the impact of cost eliminations, operational costs of each trial court, and additional funding needs.

Fee Schedule and Collections System: A proposed fee schedule will be developed, aiming to reflect the actual cost of an average case. Additionally, a uniform system for collecting court debt will be proposed, potentially building on existing systems.

Pilot Program and Statewide System: The act allows for the development of a pilot program for court debt collections and requires the creation of a statewide system for distributing court revenue.

Reporting: A comprehensive report detailing the analysis of costs, revenue, and proposed legislative changes is due by May 1, 2026, to various state officials and legislative committees.