- Introduced -

SB 678 - This act makes several changes to court procedures.

FEES

67.133 - Corrects current language regarding surcharges on certain crimes. Current law requires levels of surcharges for varying levels of crimes, but doesn't specify only non-felony violations are charged a $10 fee.

455.205 - Extends from 2000 to 2001 the time limitation that local governments may establish fees on marriage licenses and civil cases. Current law limits fees on civil cases to divorce cases only.

483.500 - Deletes requirement that defendants reimburse trial court costs to plaintiffs when plaintiffs lose at trial and pay court costs, but win in appeals court. Directs that costs will be payable to the general revenue fund.

514.440 - Sets surcharge on civil cases at $15. Current law states surcharge is "not to exceed" $15.

550.120 - Expands cost allocation in change of venue to include civil cases.

JUDICIAL AUTHORITY

43.503 - Judge shall order fingerprinting after sentencing for those not yet printed in the same case. Under current law a judge may only order fingerprinting upon the request of the prosecutor.

56.085 - Associate circuit judges are given the authority to issue subpoenas in criminal matters.

452.556 - Allows courts to include parenting plan handbook when filing or during service of process in divorce cases.

455.040 - Allows protection order information to be transmitted via automated system (computer).

455.050 - Expands ability to issue restraining orders to include restrictions on entering premises to those "occupied" by the petitioner.

479.150 - Deletes obsolete statutory reference regarding municipal judges certifying jury trial criminal cases.

482.330 - Small court claims are currently limited to eight per person per year. This act keeps the current limit, but new enforcement is simplified. Any more than eight will be dismissed without prejudice. Current enforcement allows dismissal without prejudice of claim number nine, and requires prejudiced dismissal of claim number ten.

534.070 - Allows court clerk to sign summons in unlawful detainer actions. Current law requires judge's signature.

MISCELLANEOUS

303.041 - Expands the ability of the Director of Revenue to suspend a drivers' license based upon an order of supervision to maintain insurance. Current law limits the authority to orders of court supervision.

610.105 - This section would expand what shall be considered closed records under the Sunshine Law. Current law allows public access only to the disposition portion when a defendant is not prosecuted or found not guilty, and the arrest and case records are closed records. This section would include the disposition portion as a closed record when a defendant is not prosecuted or found not guilty.

CHARLES HATCHER