S0872.03I

SB 248 - This act makes various revisions to the Court Costs Bill (SB 869) passed in 1996 and includes other provisions relating to civil and criminal actions.

DRIVING OFFENSES: The Highway Patrol may direct that a court forward a conviction of a driving violation to the Department of Revenue.

BAIL BONDSMEN: If a court orders a bail bond agent to pay for the forfeiture of any bond and such payment is not made, the court shall notify the Department of Insurance and the Department may act against the license of the agent. The Department shall furnish each circuit court with a list of agents in good standing.

COURTS: Municipal divisions of circuit courts shall not be considered courts of record.

The Statewide Court Automation Fund may accept gifts, bequests and grants in addition to court fees. The fund shall remain in effect until September 1, 2007. The total of adjusted fees payable to the state shall not exceed 104% of fees collected in the previous year.

Court marshals may carry firearms while on duty pursuant to Supreme Court Rules. Marshals shall have arrest powers to ensure the security of their courts.

A pleading must be attributed to, but not necessarily signed by, an attorney pursuant to Supreme Court Rule.

The provision which specifies that a probation revocation hearing is an independent proceeding is removed.

CRIME VICTIMS: Section 595.045, RSMo 1996, as amended by SB 769, is removed so the provisions of Section 595.045, RSMo 1996, as amended in SB 869, will apply.

EMERGENCY CLAUSE: The repeal of certain sections, the repeal and reenactment of those same sections as amended in SB 869, and the repeal of Section 595.045, RSMo 1996, as amended in SB 769, shall become effective on July 1 or upon signature by the Governor, whichever occurs later.

JAMES KLAHR