Pandemic lays bare North Carolina’s reliance on fines and fees
This report discusses the growth of fee revenue in North Carolina and how the pandemic has exposed pre-existing issues concerning the use of fine and fee revenue.
News
Amendment of Chicago Municipal Code Titles 2, 3, 4, 7,8,9,10,11,15 at various sections relating to or impacting vehicle impoundment
This ordinance ends the practice of impoundment for many non-driving and non-public safety related offenses including possession of fireworks, possessing spray paint, or loud music. When impoundment is a sanction, …
Oregon House Bill 4210: An act relating to driving privileges
This bill ends Oregon’s practice of suspending driver licenses for nonpayment of traffic tickets. The provisions of this bill are effective beginning October 1, 2020. You can read the full …
Louisiana House Bill 48: Requires the uniform reporting by entities that assess, collect, or receive revenue from pre- or post-adjudication costs, fines, and fees
This bill requires uniform reporting by entities that assess, collect and receive revenue from pre or post adjudication costs, fines and fees. By the end of 2020, state and local …
Jesus Pimentel et al. v. City of Los Angeles
Background: A City of Los Angeles ordinance requires a person pay a $63 fine if their car is parked past the allotted time limit. If the fine is not paid …
Probation and Monetary Sanctions in Georgia: Evidence from a Multi-Method Study
This article analyzes how monetary sanctions and probation supervision intersect in Georgia. Using data and interviews, gathered between 2015 and 2018, the authors find substantial variation between jurisdictions in the …
Court Costs, Fines, And Fees Are Bad Policy- Recommendations For Illinois Legislators
This policy brief discusses the history and issues of court fines and fees nationally and specifically in Illinois.
Who Must Pay to Regain the Vote? A 50-State Survey
This report analyzes state voting laws to show how fines and fees are used to determine if a person can regain the right to vote after getting convicted of a felony.
Overdue for Justice: An Assessment of Access to and Quality of Juvenile Defense Counsel in Michigan
Michigan’s constitution mandates that every young person receive legal representation, yet the state currently ranks 44th out of 50 in per capita indigent defense spending. The National Juvenile Defender Center …
Personal Narrative: Lakysha
Lakysha Bradley's driver's license has been suspended since 2007. A payment plan granted her temporary relief, but she defaulted on her payments shortly after because she could not afford them. Having a driver's license would enable Lakysha to pursue a more financially stable life and spend more time with her family.