Bill permitting technology fees in Ben Hill County Magistrate Court passes Georgia Legislature

A bill introduced by State Rep. Leesa Hagan recently passed, providing authority for the Ben Hill County Magistrate Court to add technology fees for certain court-related technology expenses, as reported by the Georgia State House.

The legislation secured approval in both chambers Tuesday, Feb. 24, winning a House vote of 165-1 and a Senate vote of 53-0.

Filed as HB1140 on Monday, Feb. 2 during the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, the measure’s full title reads: ‘Ben Hill County; Magistrate Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee.’

The following analysis is based on the actual bill text and aims to clarify key provisions.

The approved policy lets the Ben Hill County Magistrate Court clerk impose a technology fee up to $5 for each civil filing and as a surcharge on every fine. These collections are to be placed in a separate account used exclusively for technology needs of the court, such as acquisition, lease, installation and upkeep of computer systems and software; image processing, scanning, faxing, communications, projection, and printing infrastructure; plus conversion of court records for public digital access. The power to assess the fee extends through July 1, 2036, after which any unused money must continue to serve county technology improvements.

House support included votes from 72 Democrats and 93 Republicans, with a single Republican voting against the measure.

Senate approval reflected 23 Democratic and 30 Republican ‘yes’ votes and no opposition.

Rep. Noel Williams, Jr. (Republican-148th) joined as co-sponsor for this legislation.

Hagan earned a BS from the University of Georgia in 1995.

Republican Leesa Hagan was elected to the Georgia State House in 2021, succeeding Greg Morris to represent the 156th House District.

The measure became law with the signature of Gov. Brian Kemp on Monday, May 11.

In Georgia, the legislative process begins with bill drafting by lawmakers, often prompted by constituent requests and written with assistance from the Office of Legislative Counsel. Once introduced through the proper clerk, the legislation is first read and assigned to a committee, where primary review and discussion are held. If recommended, it proceeds to a third reading before floor debate and a final vote. Passage through both chambers—sometimes after a conference committee—sends the bill to the governor, who has six days during session or 40 days following adjournment (Sine Die) to approve, veto, or allow it to become law without signing. The General Assembly runs annually for a 40-day session starting the second Monday each January.

Information in this article was obtained from the Georgia State House. The source data can be found here.