AL House votes to raise court costs - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

AL House votes to raise court costs

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The Alabama House has voted to raise the cost of going to court in civil and criminal cases to help the state's cash-strapped court system.

The 65-29 vote came late Thursday night after a tense debate that saw tempers flare and security officers called into the House chamber to calm the situation.

The fireworks came after a day of delaying tactics by some Democrats, who said they were concerned higher court fees would hurt poor citizens.

The bill now goes to the Senate. The legislation would raise court costs for a traffic ticket by $25. Costs for filing a civil lawsuit would go up $45 and the court fee for a criminal case would go up $40. The cost of going to small claims court would go up $15.

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