LINCOLN- Under a bill advanced by the legislature, Nebraskans filing for divorce, going to court over land disputes, as well as people convicted of crimes would pay more to the judges retirement plan. The more controversial amendment to the bill doubles a court fee to support the fund.

LB17 by Senator Mark Kolterman of Seward, Chair of the Retirement Committee, would increase the fee from $6 per case to $8 by July and would slowly continue increasing until it hits $12 in 2025. The bill also requires the state to make a fixed contribution to the judges retirement plan equal to 5% of the judges' compensation. The state does not currently match for money taken out of judges' salaries for their retirement.

Opposition to the measure highlighted the worry that the fee increase would fall on people least able to afford it.

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