Filing a lawsuit, buying a handgun and getting a vehicle inspected in Nebraska could all become more expensive under a bill introduced in the Legislature.

Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz submitted a measure (LB919) Tuesday
that seeks to increase fees for certain services offered by law
enforcement agencies and the courts.

The bill would raise a filing fee to $6 for lawsuits filed in state courts, up from the current $5, and create a new $4 docket fee for all civil cases.

The Nebraska State Patrol and county sheriffs would impose a $20 fee for vehicle inspections, up from the current $10. And the cost of a criminal background check required to buy a handgun would rise to $10, from the current $5.

In a statement from Sen. Schilz's office, he says a coalition of Sheriff's from our District met with Senator Schilz and brought this to his attention, so he is trying to bring it to the attention of the Legislature to have a big-picture, comprehensive discussion because our counties can't handle doing business as usual.

The statement goes on to say, "It is time to re-evaluate how we do business and if we're going to cut county aid, then we need to take a look at how to cover those costs. We are trying to make sure the fees match the service being provided."

Senator Schilz says he may no agree with the fee increases exponentially, but he is listening to the Sheriff's and introducing LB919 to have a discussion among his colleagues to determine if these fees are fair.

His office statement also says, "We are not kidding ourselves, we are aware that it probably won't go anywhere this year; however, Senator Schilz wants to have this discussion."