Ex. Summary:
House Bill 24-1286 establishes an Equal Justice Authority to oversee the distribution of funds for civil legal aid services to low-income individuals. Funded by a mandatory court filing fee, the initiative ensures ongoing financial support for legal aid organizations assisting with evictions, employment disputes, family law, healthcare access, and immigration cases. The bill aims to reduce barriers to justice by expanding legal representation for individuals below 250% of the federal poverty level, prioritizing underserved communities. While it introduces new administrative requirements for courts and legal aid providers, the bill creates a sustainable model for legal aid funding, ensuring greater access to justice for vulnerable populations.