The Florida Senate

¹29.003  Phase-in schedule.--

(1)  During fiscal years 2000-2001 and 2001-2002, the Legislature shall:

(a)  Review the state courts system to determine those elements appropriate to receive state funding and, based on the availability of accurate data, determine the most appropriate means for funding such elements and provide direction regarding budgeting for the state courts system.

(b)  Review selected salaries, costs, and expenses of the state courts system which may be funded from appropriate filing fees for judicial proceedings and service charges and costs.

(2)  Prior to or during fiscal years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003, the Legislature shall review the offices of the state attorneys and public defenders and the use of civil indigency counsel and conflict counsel to determine those elements appropriate to receive state funding and, based on the availability of accurate data, determine the most appropriate means for funding such elements and provide direction regarding budgeting for the state attorneys' offices, public defenders' offices, and court-appointed counsel.

(3)  Prior to or during fiscal years 2002-2003 and 2003-2004, the Legislature shall review the offices of the clerks of the circuit and county courts to define court-related functions. If there is accurate data on court-related functions and costs, the Legislature may determine the appropriate levels of filing fees, service charges, and court costs to fund those functions.

(4)  During fiscal years 2000-2001 and 2001-2002, the Legislature shall review current law with regard to authorizations for court costs, fines, and other dispositional assessments and redirect appropriate revenues to the state.

(5)  On or before July 1, 2004, the Legislature will fully effectuate the requirements of s. 25, Art. XII of the State Constitution. Prior to July 1, 2004, the counties are financially obligated to continue to fund existing elements of the state courts system, state attorneys' offices, public defenders' offices, court-appointed counsel, and the offices of the clerks of the circuit and county courts performing court-related functions, consistent with current law and practice, until such time as the Legislature expressly assumes the responsibility for funding such elements. Counties will fund the cost of criminal cases filed by the Office of Statewide Prosecution. Additionally, the Legislature will define by general law those local requirements of the state courts system for which the counties must pay reasonable and necessary salaries, costs, and expenses.

(6)  Pursuant to s. 14, Art. V, and s. 25, Art. XII of the State Constitution, commencing in fiscal year 2000-2001, the Legislature will appropriate funds:

(a)  To create a contingency fund to assist small counties with extraordinary case-related costs in criminal cases.

(b)  For pilot projects in at least three counties to cover reasonable and necessary conflict attorneys.

History.--s. 3, ch. 2000-237; s. 153, ch. 2003-402.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2004, by s. 153, ch. 2003-402.