ATLANTA – (Feb. 16, 2010) Sen. Preston Smith (R-Rome), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today introduced bipartisan legislation to enhance funding and efficiency for Georgia’s overburdened courts. A judicial operations fund will be created under Senate Bill 429 to fund the operations of the courts and a significant portion of judges’ salaries. The bill also appoints additional members to Georgia’s Supreme Court and Court of Appeals to help expedite case load.
“Georgia’s judicial system is backlogged with cases that need to be resolved, but there’s not enough money or manpower to administer justice in a timely and efficient manner,” said Sen. Smith. “This bill is the solution to getting those cases heard and providing the courts with additional resources to ensure citizens’ cases are being heard and resolved.”
Money for the judicial operating fund will be supported by an additional $100 filing fee on civil cases in state and superior courts. The current fees and add-ons of $82 rank Georgia among the lowest in civil filing fees in the nation, with a national average of $168. Some states such as Florida charge as much as $395. This additional fee is expected to generate more than $20 million in funds for the courts.
To increase efficiency throughout the justice system, the bill adds two new justices to the Georgia Supreme Court, which will consist of nine total members. The Court of Appeals will also see a panel of three judges added, totaling 15 members. These additional positions give the courts more personnel to handle the overflow of cases and accelerate the process of appeals. The Georgia Supreme Court has contended that it is the busiest court in the nation by virtue of the number of cases handled by each of its justices.
The idea of increasing funding for the courts and adding additional positions has received wide bipartisan support. So far, the bill has received 31 signatures from Sen. Smith’s colleagues in the Senate.
Sen. Preston Smith serves as chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He represents the 52nd Senate District which includes Floyd County and portions of Bartow and Gordon counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0034 or by e-mail at preston.smith@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 16, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028