News

Tip of the Iceberg: How Much Criminal Justice Debt Does the U.S. Really Have?

Considerable research has uncovered the financial burden and unintended consequences wreaked on the people charged with paying fines and fees. But there has been little, if any, investigation into how …

IN HB 1199: An act to amend the Indiana Code concerning motor vehicles

Indiana recently passed a bill ending driver’s licenses suspension for failure to appear. The bill continues to permit suspensions for failure to pay, but upon a showing of proof of financial responsibility, …

Reckless Lawmaking: How Debt-Based Driver’s License Suspension Laws Impose Harm and Waste Resources

This report examines the impacts of suspending driver’s licenses as a consequence of unpaid fines and fees and failure to appear in court. 16 individuals who had their license suspended …

Speeding into the Future: The Pitfalls of Automated Traffic Enforcement

With speeding as the leading cause of fatal car crashes in the United States, speed cameras are used in 17 states and the District of Columbia. Along with encouraging safer …

SB 898: Maryland Criminal Justice Debt Elimination and Prevention Act of 2021

The Maryland Criminal Justice Debt Elimination and Prevention Act of 2021 eliminates a number of criminal justice fines and fees. Key Provisions: The bill would eliminate the following fees: Court-related …

HB 1391: Elimination of Fines and Court-related Fees for Juveniles

This bill eliminates a number of fines and court related fees for juveniles. Key Provisions: Eliminates a number of fines and court related fees for juveniles including: Application fee for …

HB 2385: Juveniles; monetary sanctions; repeal

This bill eliminates a number of fines and court related fees for juveniles. Key Provisions: Repeals provision requiring a juvenile or his parent or guardian of sufficient financial resources to …

IN HB 1208

This bill repeals language concerning certain juvenile fines, fees, and costs. Key Provisions: Repeals language concerning: (1) reimbursement by a parent to a county for certain costs related to the …

HB 183: An Act Relating to Children; Eliminating Certain Fines and Fees Relating to Certain Crimes Committed by Juveniles

This bill eliminates fines and administrative fees from the Delinquency Act within the Children’s Code. The bill also eliminates the $10 application fee for a public defender in Children’s Court. …

NM SB181

This bill requires courts in criminal proceedings to assess ability to pay a fine, fee or costs, at the time of sentencing. The bill also requires that individuals be permitted …