While courts continue to impose fines and fees, we need to be sure that they aren’t trapping people in a cycle of debt, punishment, and incarceration that is difficult to escape. Effective ability-to-pay policies must include a presumption that some individuals will not be able to pay court-imposed costs. Having a court-appointed attorney, being on government assistance, qualifying for public housing, or being unable to work should be recognized as the markers of poverty that they are, and courts must stop jailing those unable to pay.

Today, the United States Department of Justice issued a revised and updated “Dear Colleague” letter, advising state and local courts that their fines and fees practices are profoundly harmful and may violate the United States Constitution and federal law. FFJC issued a statement in response.

In Washington, DC, my Mayor, Muriel Bowser, just rolled out a plan to install 342 more traffic cameras throughout the city. And while the Mayor said that she hopes “we don’t collect anything from the cameras,” this camera rollout is part of her budget plan, which would use the expected $580 million in revenue to address the city’s budget shortfalls over the next four years. Strange that a Mayor would plan a budget around a revenue stream she hopes doesn’t come through.

Last night, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed HB 139, which eliminates the post-adjudication and bench warrant fees that have recently become the subject of a national movement to end the criminalization of poverty.

Late last night, with clear bipartisan support, the New Mexico Senate approved legislation to eliminate the post-adjudication and bench warrant fees that have recently become the subject of a national movement to end the criminalization of poverty. It will now go to the Governor's desk for consideration.

Late last night, the New Mexico House passed SB 47, which would end the widespread practice of suspending licenses due to court debt.

Today, the Florida office of the Fines and Fees Justice Center is releasing Stepping On The Gas: Accelerating Florida’s Economic Growth by Restoring the Freedom to Drive.

New Study Shows High Cost of Florida’s Hidden Taxes on Children First-Of-Its-Kind Statewide Research Reveals How Fees Increase Recidivism and Trap Families in Debt A new study led by a …

January 1: New Law to Decriminalize Minor Traffic Violations Takes Effect Long-Sought Reform Will End Widespread Practice of Arresting & Jailing People Who Can’t Afford a Minor Traffic Ticket On …

Today, the Fines and Fees Justice Center (FFJC) is releasing Assessments and Surcharges: A 50-State Survey of Supplemental Fees. Examining statutes and rules from all 50 states and D.C, this new report uncovers a system of hidden taxes that are assessed in nearly every criminal, traffic or local ordinance case. They fund not only the justice system, but other government programs — ranging from autism research to independent living programs to state and municipal general funds.