Senate Judiciary Committee advances bill to raise court-fee share for civil legal aid

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to report SB 1, a bill sponsored by Senator Forrest Dunbar that would increase the share of court filing fees directed to the Civil Legal Services Fund from 10% to up to 25%. The committee advanced the bill from committee without objection during its Jan. 27, 2025, meeting.

The change would amend the statute governing the civil legal services fund, identified in the bill text as 30 A.S. 37.05590, to allow the state to appropriate as much as 25% of court system filing fees to support civil legal aid. "It increases the statutory funding for Alaska Legal Services Corporation," Senator Forrest Dunbar said when introducing the measure.

The bill’s sponsor and invited witnesses told the committee the increase is intended to address growing unmet legal need among low-income Alaskans. "ALSC is a nonprofit law firm that has provided comprehensive and free civil legal aid to low-income Alaskans since we opened our doors almost 60 years ago," said Maggie Hump, executive director of Alaska Legal Services Corporation. Hump told the committee ALSC provides services statewide, including in many rural communities where it is often the only available civil legal help.

Hump said ALSC turned away roughly one eligible family or individual for every person it served last year because demand outstrips resources. "On average, we turn away roughly one family or individual for every one that we serve," she said. She also testified that in fiscal year 2024 the fund distribution under the current 10% rule would have yielded roughly $741,000 if instead set at 25% for that year, and that ALSC estimates each additional $100,000 helps about 182 more Alaskans.

Committee members questioned the choice of 25% rather than a larger share. Senator Tobin asked why the bill sets the limit at 25% instead of 50% or another higher figure. Hump and Senator Dunbar described the item as a restoration of the earlier legislative intent: the court-fee share was proposed at 25% in earlier sessions, negotiated down to 10% when the fee source was first added, and advocates have since sought to return it to 25%. "We have been back for the last many years now asking to increase it to 25%," Hump said.

Senator Stevens asked how ALSC prioritizes clients when demand exceeds capacity. Hump said ALSC’s board sets priorities, staff screen applicants for income and assets under federal regulations, and day-to-day intake availability varies by office and caseload. She said ALSC focuses on high-priority clients including domestic violence survivors, seniors and people with disabilities and described work such as securing protective orders and other civil remedies.

Following testimony and questions, Senator Keel moved that the committee report SB 1 from committee with individual recommendations and any accompanying fiscal notes. With no objection recorded, the committee reported the bill out of committee. The committee did not record roll-call votes during the motion; the clerk noted the bill "moves from committee."

SB 1 is now on the committee report stage and may proceed to further consideration by the Legislature according to Senate procedures. The committee chair adjourned the session and said the next Judiciary Committee meeting will be Feb. 3, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.