Committee reports substitute for court-rules bill that codifies clerk grant distribution

The Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee on Friday voted to report substitute House Bill 2178 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation, sending the measure to the next stage of the legislative process.

Committee staff said the proposed substitute H2959, from Representative Tai, aligns statutory language with court rules and removes a two-year extension that had delayed courts of limited jurisdiction from implementing electronic submission for protection order petitions. The substitute also gives the state treasurer statutory authority to distribute appropriated funds to county clerks as Law, Financial, and Other (LFO) collection grants, a role that budget bills have provided in practice since 2015.

"I want to thank the Administrative Office of the Court for this request to align statutory provisions with court rules," Representative Tai said, asking for the committee's support. One member raised concern that removing a section from the original draft could leave the Administrative Office of the Courts "in a bit of a pickle" when complying with earlier legislation; that member announced a "nay, without recommendation" vote but said they might change their position on the floor.

Vice Chair Farber moved the substitute be reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation. Staff read the roll call: "There are 10 ayes, 2 nays, and 1 excused vote." The committee recorded a due-pass recommendation and the substitute will proceed according to the chamber's calendar.

The committee did not take up additional amendments during the executive session.