LANSING (AP) — A statewide e-filing system for Michigan courts is close to being enacted into law.
The Legislature approved bills Tuesday designed to modernize court functions by moving away from filing court papers and instead filing them online.
The legislation sets additional e-filing fees in civil cases of up to $25 and deposits the revenue in a new state fund to help counties make e-filing upgrades. Lawyers and others will not be required to e-file under the bills.
Supporters say state courts’ e-filing capabilities lag far behind the federal courts. Only a few Michigan counties have set up their own independent e-filing systems.
Judges could waive e-filing fees for the indigent. The public could see electronically-filed documents at a courthouse for free.
Gov. Rick Snyder is expected to sign the bills.
