The bill amends the Revised Judicature Act of 1961 by modifying section 8831 to ensure that civil fines imposed for violations of state statutes are directed exclusively to support public libraries and county law libraries. Specifically, it changes the language to clarify that these fines "must" be applied in the same manner as penal fines collected for violations of penal laws. Additionally, the bill includes a provision stating that this requirement does not apply to increases in civil infraction amounts authorized under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the intent to maintain a revenue source for public libraries, which previously benefited from penal fines associated with misdemeanor violations that have now been reclassified as state civil infractions. The enactment of this amendment is contingent upon the passage of House Bill No. 5893.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 600.8831