The measure that would diversify revenues, support staffing needs, and account for services without a dedicated funding source for the Florida clerks, received high praise during its first scheduled hearing before the House Civil Justice Subcommittee on March 14.

HB 977, by Rep. Adam Botana, R-Bonita Springs, would give Florida’s court clerks access to $31.2 million that would have otherwise flowed to the state’s general revenue fund. It’s part of a multi-year effort to stabilize a revenue source largely dependent on fines and fees.

Speaking in support of the bill, Clay County Clerk and Legislative Chair of the Florida Court Clerks Operations Corporation Tara Green told the committee that Florida’s clerks are facing significant challenges to support the critical court-related services they perform in their own communities.

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