Georgia to hike dozens of state fees - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Georgia to hike dozens of state fees

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By Wainwright Jeffers - bio | email

ALBANY, GA (WALB) – The Georgia House has voted to hike dozens of fees to help balance the state's cash-strapped budget.

Representatives voted 110 to 57 to approve the bill on Friday.

It contains six new fees.

Among them, a $50 fee in state courts and $100 in superior courts to file a civil lawsuit.

Those convicted of drunk driving would also pay a new $150 fee to reinstate their driver's licenses.

It'll also cost you more to start a corporation, close on a mortgage, and obtain specialty license plates.

We talked to one driver about his specialty plate, who said he'll have to think twice about paying more fees.

"It's $75 up front and you have to pay the extra $20 dollars each year, and even if they move it to $50 each year I'll probably have to think about it," said Brandon Tuggle, Specialty License Plate Owner.

Supporters say many of the user fees have not been increased in decades.

Opponents say they will impact those who can least afford it and the state should have considered a broader tax increase instead, the measure will now go before the Senate.

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