Welcome to FFJC’s digital library of resources related to fines and fees, also known as the Clearinghouse. Our repository of research and tools is curated and summarized by our Policy and Research team and includes key fines and fees research, litigation, legislation, policy analysis and guidance, and case studies. Use the search features below to find the information you need to drive reform.
E.g., ‘impacts of fines and fees’
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Debt Sentence: How Fines And Fees Hurt Working Families
This report shares the results of a national survey of over 5,600 adults to see how court-imposed fines and fees affect people across the country.
Debt Sentence: How Fines And Fees Hurt Working Families
Audit Report Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court Baltimore City, Maryland
Audit Report Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court Baltimore City, Maryland
Since 2008, five audits by the Office of Legislative Audits have identified deficiencies regarding the collection of delinquent criminal court fees, fines, and penalties by the Cle…
SB 898: Maryland Criminal Justice Debt Elimination and Prevention Act of 2021
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 fol…
HB 1308: Vehicle Laws – Delinquent Traffic Citations – Enforcement
HB 1308: Vehicle Laws – Delinquent Traffic Citations – Enforcement
This bill repeals provisions permitting the suspension of driving privileges for failure to pay, or enter into a payment plan, and failure to comply with a notice to appear on a tr…
Baltimore will no longer prosecute drug possession, prostitution, low-level crimes
Baltimore will no longer prosecute drug possession, prostitution, low-level crimes
The State’s Attorney’s Office made permanent its policy of declining to prosecute low-level offenses including minor traffic violations, first implemented to curb the spread…
Maryland HB36: Juvenile Proceedings – Fines, Fees, and Costs
Maryland HB36: Juvenile Proceedings – Fines, Fees, and Costs
This bill eliminates the authority of Maryland courts to impose civil fines or court costs against a juvenile found delinquent.
Maryland Senate Bill 234: Vehicle Laws – Suspension of Driver’s License or Registration – Unpaid Citations or Judgements
Maryland Senate Bill 234: Vehicle Laws – Suspension of Driver’s License or Registration – Unpaid Citations or Judgements
This bill repeals the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration’s authority to suspend a driver’s license and vehicle registration for unpaid traffic fines. The bill does not end drive…
Maryland HB 1178: Pilot Project for Income-Based Fines (Fair Fines Act of 2020)
Maryland HB 1178: Pilot Project for Income-Based Fines (Fair Fines Act of 2020)
This bill requires Maryland courts to establish a base fine for motor vehicle violations and use a formula to determine the amount an individual must pay.
Maryland HB0046: Motor Vehicle Administration – Authority to Suspend Registration for Violations Recorded by Traffic Control Signal Monitoring Systems and Speed Monitoring Systems – Repeal
Maryland HB0046: Motor Vehicle Administration – Authority to Suspend Registration for Violations Recorded by Traffic Control Signal Monitoring Systems and Speed Monitoring Systems – Repeal
This bill repeals the authority of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to suspend a driver’s registration for nonpayment of red-light camera tickets.
Maryland House Bill 1267: Prohibits driver’s license suspension for people on payment plans.
Maryland House Bill 1267: Prohibits driver’s license suspension for people on payment plans.
Maryland HB 1267 allows individuals who owe fines and fees to enter into a payment plan to avoid driver’s license suspension for nonpayment.
Maryland Senate Bill 823: Juvenile Proceedings – Fines, Fees, and Costs.
Maryland Senate Bill 823: Juvenile Proceedings – Fines, Fees, and Costs.
Maryland SB 823 would eliminate juvenile justice system fines and fees. Specifically, the bill would eliminate court fees and support costs for the detention and/or treatment of yo…