Legislature approves Berrien County technology fee bill sponsored by Rep. Ford

A bill put forward by State Rep. Jaclyn Ford, designed to let Berrien County Magistrate Court levy technology fees for court upgrades, has secured passage in both chambers, the Georgia State House reports.

It received approval in both chambers as of Tuesday, Feb. 17, passing the House with a 165-0 vote and the Senate by 48-1.

Filed as HB937 on Monday, Jan. 12 during the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, the measure is officially titled: ‘Berrien County; Magistrate Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee.’

The following summary, based on the full legislative text, may include explanations for clarity.

Essentially, the legislation permits the Magistrate Court clerk in Berrien County to impose a technology fee of up to $5 per civil filing and a similar surcharge for each fine. The funds are required to be placed into a separate account and must be spent solely on specific court technology purposes, including computer equipment, software, associated maintenance and installation, imaging and communications devices, and digitizing court records for public access. The authority to charge the fee expires July 1, 2036, after which remaining funds are to be allocated for general Berrien County technology needs.

House passage saw 73 Democrats and 92 Republicans vote in favor, with none opposed.

Senate approval included 19 Democrats and 29 Republicans in support, with one Republican voting against.

Rep. Angie O’Steen (Republican-169th) served as a co-sponsor of the bill.

Ford is an alumna of the University of Georgia.

Ford, a Republican, was elected to the Georgia State House in 2025, representing the 170th House District and succeeding former representative Penny Houston.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill into law on Monday, May 11.

In Georgia, the legislative process typically starts when a lawmaker works with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill, often prompted by a constituent’s request. After it is filed with the House Clerk or Senate Secretary, it is first read and referred to a committee, where most of the deliberation occurs. If it emerges from committee, it receives a third reading and is debated and voted upon on the chamber floor. A bill must pass both houses—sometimes requiring a conference committee to resolve differences—before being forwarded to the governor. The governor has six days during legislative session or 40 days after the session adjourns (Sine Die) to sign, veto, or let a bill become law without a signature. The General Assembly convenes annually for a 40-day session starting the second Monday of January.

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