CT SB00428

Establishes that interest earned on lawyers' client funds accounts can be used to fund legal services to the poor through grants-in-aid to administering organizations, effective October 1, 2016.

Modifies the Client Security Fund to support three purposes: reimbursing claims for attorney dishonesty, providing crisis intervention and referral assistance for attorney substance abuse and behavioral health problems, and funding legal services for the poor.

Increases various court filing and application fees effective July 1, 2016, including jury fees ($425 to $440), Superior Court entry fees ($350 to $360), small claims fees ($90 to $95), and execution-related fees ($100 to $105).

Directs the Chief Court Administrator to certify and transfer revenue from the July 1, 2016 fee increases to organizations administering interest earned on lawyers' client funds accounts for legal services to the poor.

Raises the income threshold for partial fee exemption for non-practicing attorneys from $450 to $1,000 in annual legal fees or compensation.