Substitute House Bill No. 7139 seeks to amend the regulations governing state marshals and the State Marshal Commission, introducing several key changes aimed at enhancing accountability and operational standards. Notably, the bill requires state marshals to carry personal liability insurance with increased coverage amounts of $250,000 for individual damages and $500,000 for multiple persons, with policies needing to be renewed annually by October 1. It also raises the bond requirement for state marshals from $10,000 to $100,000 and reduces the total number of state marshals statewide from 318 to 235. The bill establishes a State Marshal Commission with defined responsibilities, including the development of professional standards and training requirements, and mandates that state marshals bear the costs associated with fitness for duty certifications.

Additionally, the bill introduces amendments to the service of process laws, particularly for limited liability companies and correctional officers, allowing for electronic transmission of legal documents and specifying new procedures for serving eviction notices. It clarifies that service must be performed by state marshals, eliminating previous options for mail or personal service by non-officials. The bill also modifies the fee structure for process serving, aligning mileage reimbursement with federal rates and establishing a maximum fee for initial service. Overall, sHB7139 aims to modernize the operational framework for state marshals, streamline processes related to service of process, and ensure compliance with established regulations, with an effective date set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 6-35, 6-38, 6-38b, 6-38c, 6-38d, 6-38e, 6-39, 34-243r, 52-593a, 52-50, 6-38n
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 6-35, 6-38, 6-38b, 6-38c, 6-38d, 6-38e, 6-39, 34-243r, 52-593a, 52-50, 52-45a, 6-38n
File No. 770: 6-35, 6-38, 6-38b, 6-38c, 6-38d, 6-38e, 6-39, 34-243r, 52-593a, 52-50, 52-45a, 6-38n
File No. 934: 6-35, 6-38, 6-38b, 6-38c, 6-38d, 6-38e, 6-39, 34-243r, 52-593a, 52-50, 52-45a, 6-38n