LAUDERDALE COUNTY, AL (WAFF) -
Hundreds of jobs are on the chopping block if the Senate doesn't pass Bill 688.
It's a bill that would increase court costs for everyone.
The state of Alabama is proposing a $30-million cut in the state's court system - a cut that would lay off 500 people from the court's administrative staff across the state.
"It just sickens all of us," said Lauderdale County Circuit Court Clerk, Missy Hibbett. "You're talking about sending half the court system home."
It's a decision Hibbett says is crippling to the court system.
"The majority of our clerks offices across the state are already running on 50 percent staffing," she said. "Everybody's doing all they can do."
The pending House Bill 688 would require people to pay up to $40 more in court costs.
"Nobody likes to see costs increase, but this is really the only option that we have as a court system statewide, to be able to serve the people - which is why we're here," said Hibbett.
It's a bill not everyone agrees with.
"I don't agree with it. I don't think we should have to pay any more court costs. We're paying just enough as it is," said Marie Heathcoat.
"I think we're going through enough of unemployed right now and anything like the courthouse definitely needs employees to keep functioning and keep the civilians safe so anything we need to do would be a good idea," said Robert Kohler.
"I'm really excited about the thought of it passing. It goes to the Senate next week. That would be such a tremendous boost for our court system to be able to keep the doors open," Hibbett said.
The bill passed the House Thursday night. It will go before the Senate on Tuesday.
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Hundreds could lose their jobs in Alabama if the state doesn't pass Bill 688, which will raise court costs.
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