Court costs will increase if Culver signs bill

A bill passed by Iowa legislators is only awaiting Governor Chet Culver's signature -- he has until May 26 to sign -- before the increases take effect.

Culver is reviewing the bill but has not yet made a decision whether to sign or not, according to Troy Price, a spokesman from the governor's office.

If he does sign the bill into law, the increases would range from $10 to $110.

Those filing for divorce would see one of the largest increases -- the civil filing fee would jump from $100 to $185.

Any traffic violation or other simple misdemeanor would see court filing fees increase from $50 to $60.

Filing a simple claims case would cost $85, not the current $50.

Changing title in real estate would see a hike from $20 to $50.

Anyone convicted of a crime would face a criminal penalty surcharge of 35 percent of the amount of the fine or forfeiture imposed, rather than the current 32 percent.

If Culver signs the bill, the money, according to Sen. Randy Feenstra, will go back to the judicial branch's general fund, which pays for things like judicial employee salaries.

This bill comes after cuts were made to the judiciary by the state Legislature this year, which Feenstra said he did not approve.

Along with this bill, judicial branch officials have already cut costs by eliminating some court days and trimming back judges' travel expenses.

"The judiciary needs to keep its employees. Now to fund it, they have to find another way to tax people, so they increase the fees," Feenstra said. "I think the money should have come from all citizens, not just those that have to pay court fees."

For more information, visit www.iowacourts.gov.