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’
By Topic

By Type
By Location

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

First Steps Toward Equitable Fines and Fees Practices: Policy Guidance on Ability-to-Pay Assessments, Payment Plans, and Community Service
First Steps Toward Equitable Fines and Fees Practices: Policy Guidance on Ability-to-Pay Assessments, Payment Plans, and Community Service

Jurisdictions across the country continue to impose disproportionate fines and fees. Until reform can be made, assessing a person’s ability to pay is critical to achieving fairness…
Policy Guidance / National / September 01, 2024
Shanelle Johnson

Caution: We’re Driving the Wrong Way on Automated Traffic Enforcement
Caution: We’re Driving the Wrong Way on Automated Traffic Enforcement

As jurisdictions grapple with growing concerns over traffic safety and the role of police officers in traffic enforcement, there has been a proliferation of automated traffic enfor…
Policy Guidance / January 10, 2024

Local Policy Guide: Fee Elimination and Debt Relief
Local Policy Guide: Fee Elimination and Debt Relief

This local policy guide gives local leaders a recommended process for eliminating fees via local legislation, budgetary processes and through the courts.
Policy Guidance, Tools / March 24, 2022

Local Policy Guide: Make Jail Phone Calls Free and Eliminate Commissions and Kickbacks on Commissary Items
Local Policy Guide: Make Jail Phone Calls Free and Eliminate Commissions and Kickbacks on Commissary Items

This local policy guide gives local leaders three reform pathways for ensuring incarcerated people have access to basic needs and free communication.
Policy Guidance, Tools / March 24, 2022

FFJC Policy Guidance: Eliminating Criminal Legal System Fees and Discharging Debt
FFJC Policy Guidance: Eliminating Criminal Legal System Fees and Discharging Debt

Fines and Fees Justice Center (FFJC) presents policy guidance for local and state leaders on how to eliminate criminal legal fees and forgive debt.
Policy Guidance / January 13, 2022