House approves electronic court filing, records law

The Michigan House Wednesday approved legislation introduced by state Rep. Kurt Heise to allow courts to maintain electronic records and utilize electronic court filings. The bill now goes to the state Senate. House Bill 4064 removes the restriction against electronic records and will allow courts to determine the best method for record-keeping and filing. This bill is a high priority by the Michigan Supreme Court as it seeks to cut costs and improve access to litigants and the public. "This bill would make the courts more accessible to the people of Michigan and helps bring us into the 21st century," said Heise, R-Plymouth, who is also an attorney. "Electronic court records make navigation of the legal process more efficient, and it will cut costs. The goal is to allow for modernization of our courts and make them more user-friendly, just as we are mandating in every area of government." Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert P. Young Jr. said the bill "is important to the courts' technological future. The Supreme Court has long supported e-filing; people routinely shop and do business on line, and they should also have electronic access to the courts. This bill is a good step toward that goal. We want courts working smarter for a better Michigan; technology is an essential part of that effort." The bill would allow courts to retain court records electronically, allow citizens to access them electronically, and allow the filing of documents over the Internet. The bill would not place a mandate on the courts, but allow them to make the best and most cost-effective and efficient choices for themselves. "This bill is a common-sense change that will modernize our courts and make them more efficient and effective," Heise said. "It will give the courts the flexibility needed to make their records and filing processes easier and therefore make the courts work better for the people of Michigan.'' State Rep. Kurt Heise is a second-term lawmaker representing the 20th House District which includes parts of northwest Wayne county. Heise can be reached toll-free at (855) 737-5878, via email at KurtHeise@house.mi.gov or on his website at www.repkurtheise.com . Published: Fri, Mar 8, 2013

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