NORMAN v. FLORIDA PRISON THE HILL, et al

Filing 6

ORDERD: re 2 MOTION for Leave to Proceed in forma pauperis filed by ALLEN BRUCE NORMAN is DEFERRED. Court provide Pltf w/Application for leave to proceed in forma pauperis. Pltf file amended application w/transactions of prison account, pay full filing fee, or file notice of voluntary dismissal. (Amended Pleadings due by 3/5/2009.) Signed by MAGISTRATE JUDGE ALLAN KORNBLUM on 2/3/2009. (Copy of order and IFP application sent to Pltf.) (jws) Modified on 2/10/2009 to correct deadline for amended pleadings due (jws).

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA TALLAHASSEE DIVISION

ALLEN BRUCE NORMAN, Plaintiff, vs. FLORIDA PRISON THE HILL, et al., Defendant(s). _____________________________ / ORDER Plaintiff, an inmate proceeding pro se, has filed a civil rights complaint under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, doc. 1, and a deficient motion to proceed in forma pauperis (IFP). Doc. 2. Ruling on Plaintiff's IFP application is deferred because it fails to comply with 28 U.S.C. § 1915. Section 1915, as amended by the "Prison Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (hereinafter "PLRA"), requires the court to assess an initial partial filing fee on all inmates who are permitted to proceed in forma pauperis. Under the PLRA, all prisoners will eventually pay the district court's entire $350 filing fee when bringing a civil action, or filing an appeal, in forma pauperis. If a prisoner's account 4:08cv560spm/ak

statement shows that he cannot pay even the required initial partial fee, the civil action may nevertheless proceed; however, the total $350 fee will be assessed and deducted from future deposits to Plaintiff's prison account until the total filing fee is paid. Fees are not refundable, regardless of dismissal of the action. [The obligation to pay the full amount of the filing fee continues even if Plaintiff is released from prison.] Even after the initial partial fee is paid, the PLRA requires this court to dismiss the case at any time if it determines that the allegation of poverty is untrue, or the action is frivolous or malicious, fails to state a claim upon which relief may be granted, or seeks monetary relief against a defendant who is immune from such relief. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2). Furthermore, § 1915(g) prohibits a prisoner from filing any further suit or appeal without full prepayment of the filing fee if the prisoner has had three actions or appeals dismissed on one of the previously mentioned grounds set out in Section 1915(e)(2). The Court must assess an initial partial filing fee based on the average monthly deposits in Plaintiff's prison bank account in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 1915(b)(1). Thus, Plaintiff must submit a computer printout for his inmate bank account for the six (6) month period immediately preceding the filing of the complaint; i.e., the period from to JUNE 17, 2008 TO DECEMBER 17, 2008. Plaintiff must obtain account statements from the appropriate official of each prison at which he is, or has been, confined for the six (6) month period prior to the filing of this complaint. If Plaintiff was not incarcerated during any portion of this time period, he must specifically advise the court. Accordingly, it is ORDERED: 2

1. Ruling on Plaintiff's application to proceed in forma pauperis is DEFERRED. 2. The clerk of court shall forward to Plaintiff an application for leave to proceed in forma pauperis. 3. Plaintiff shall have until MARCH 5, 2009, to either: (1) file a computer printout of the transactions in his prison account as directed in this order along with a completed application to proceed in forma pauperis, or (2) pay the full $350.00 filing fee, or (3) file a notice of voluntary dismissal of this case pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 41(a). 4. Failure to respond to this order as instructed will result in a recommendation of dismissal of this action for failure to prosecute and failure to comply with an order of this court. 5. The clerk shall return the file to the undersigned on or before MARCH 5, 2009. DONE AND ORDERED this 3rd day of February, 2009.

s/ A. KORNBLUM ALLAN KORNBLUM UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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