HB 1374 -- FUNDING FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS (Graham, 24)

This bill allows counties to assess in all civil cases a $2
surcharge for funding domestic violence shelters.  Currently,
the surcharge is limited to actions filed under Section 452.305,
RSMo (divorce).

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

HB 1374 -- FUNDING FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS

CO-SPONSORS:  Graham (24), Riback Wilson (25)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee
on Judiciary by a vote of 16 to 0.

This bill allows counties to assess in all civil cases a $2
surcharge for funding domestic violence shelters.  Currently,
the surcharge is limited to actions filed under Section 452.305,
RSMo (divorce).

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this bill is necessary to
correct an error that was made last year in Senate Bill 1.
Prior to the adoption of that legislation, a surcharge of $10 to
fund domestic violence shelters was allowed in dissolution
actions.  Although the legislation intended to reduce the
surcharge to $2 and allow the surcharge to be assessed in all
civil cases, the bill reduced the surcharge and did not allow it
to be assessed in all civil actions.  Consequently, funding has
been significantly reduced for many shelters.  This bill
modifies the provision to allow the $2 surcharge in all civil
cases if the county (or city not within a county) imposes the
surcharge by order or ordinance.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Graham (24);
Missouri Coalition Against Domestic Violence; and Supreme Court
of Missouri.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Katharine Barondeau, Legislative Analyst

HB 1374 -- Funding for Domestic Violence Shelters

Co-Sponsors:  Graham (24), Riback Wilson (25)

Under current law, if effective before January 1, 2000, a county
(or a city not within a county) order or ordinance may impose a
$5 fee upon the issuance of a marriage license and a $2
surcharge upon a civil case filed in circuit court, with such
funds earmarked for shelters for victims of domestic violence.
This bill extends the date by which the order or ordinance must
be effective to January 1, 2001.