TN HB0487

Establishes comprehensive standardized filing fee schedules for Tennessee court clerks across circuit, chancery, probate, juvenile, and general sessions courts, with phased increases from January 1, 2026 through January 1, 2028

Filing fees for civil cases in circuit/chancery courts range from $75-$325 depending on case type, with contract enforcement and personal injury cases increasing from $275 (2026) to $325 (2028), and divorces with minor children from $250 to $300

Creates a $2 privilege tax on litigation in all civil and criminal cases (excluding juvenile and municipal courts) to fund a new Court Clerk Continuing Education Account in the state treasury

Requires $7 from each standard filing fee be earmarked exclusively for technology and technology-related expenses at the clerk's discretion, with funds carrying forward year to year

Preserves indigent parties' right to file proceedings via pauper's oath and exempts the state from any fee increases for criminal cases, child support actions, and mental health proceedings beyond pre-2006 levels