California SB 190: Juveniles.
On January 1, 2018, California became the first state to abolish all administrative fees in juvenile delinquency cases.
News
Nebraska Legislative Bill 259: Adopt and change competency and financial ability provisions relating to court proceedings as prescribed
This bill describes how Nebraska courts should proceed in instances where a person cannot pay their fines and fees. It prohibits incarcerating people who cannot afford to pay and allows courts to reduce or waive fines and fees, or offer community service as an alternative.
Past Due: Examining the Costs and Consequences of Charging for Justice in New Orleans
This video discusses how New Orleans residents get trapped in the city’s court system because of their lack of financial means.
Discretionary Disenfranchisement: The Case of Legal Financial Obligations
This paper discusses how fines and fees prevent ex-felons in Alabama and Tennessee from restoring their right to vote after disenfranchisement.
Virginia House Bill 2386: Unpaid court fines; increases grace period for collection.
The legislation provides protocol for how courts can authorize payment plans, deferred payments, and community service in lieu of immediate, full monetary payments.
Oregon SB 360: An Act Relating to Reentry
This Act directs Oregon counties to create community service programs that allow parolees to participate in lieu of paying certain types of debts such as court-appointed attorney fees.
Graduating Economic Sanctions According to Ability to Pay
This article focuses on a potential reform with increasing bipartisan support: the graduation of economic sanctions according to a person’s financial circumstances, also known as "day fines" or "means-adjusted fines."
Past Due: Examining the Costs and Consequences of Charging for Justice in New Orleans
This report documents the amount New Orleans residents pay in bail, fines and fees, traces where the money goes, and calculates how much the city spends to jail people who cannot pay.
Thomas v. Haslam
In misdemeanor and felony cases, Tennessee automatically revoked a person’s driver’s license if they failed to pay court fines and fees one year after they were imposed.
Personal Narrative: James Thomas
On a rainy night, James took shelter under a bridge and was arrested for criminal trespass. Mr. Thomas was found guilty and assessed court costs. He advised the clerk of his circumstances and never heard anything else about the outstanding debt until 2016, when he was denied a Tennessee’s driver’s license.