Improving Constitutional Enforcement of Court Fines and Fees
This act aims to improve how state and local courts enforce fines and fees, ensuring it's constitutional and fair. Citizens can expect not to be jailed solely for inability to pay, and courts will need to assess their financial capacity. The changes seek to reduce financial burdens, especially for low-income individuals and minorities, and prevent loss of rights like driver's licenses or voting due to unpaid court debts.
Key points
Prohibits jailing individuals solely for inability to pay fines or fees without an ability-to-pay determination.
Courts cannot suspend driver's licenses or deny access to hearings due to unpaid fines.
Provides technical assistance and training to courts for better fine and fee practices.
Increases funding to improve justice in state and local courts.
Expired
Citizen Poll