MO HB256

Creates and establishes the "Basic Civil Legal Services Fund" administered by the Missouri Supreme Court, funded by court filing surcharges under section 488.031 and other public or private sources.

Allocates fund moneys annually to legal services organizations qualifying for Federal Legal Services Corporation funding to provide civil legal representation to eligible low-income persons.

Distributes funds according to the Federal Legal Services Corporation's funding formula, with priority given to families, children, domestic violence cases, elderly persons, and Social Security benefits qualification.

Prohibits fund moneys from being used to pay state constitutional refunds or to sue the state, its agencies, or officials with state funds.

Extends the expiration date of the fund's provisions from December 31, 2012, to December 31, 2018.