Bill > S1561

Introduced Session

This bill requires the Department of Corrections (DOC) to notify inmates of outstanding motor vehicle fines or penalties and permits the inmate to enter into a payment plan for these fines or penalties upon release from incarceration. Under current law, the DOC is required to notify every inmate at the time of his or her release of all outstanding fines, assessments, and restitution charges ordered as part of that inmate's sentence and any outstanding warrants or detainers. In addition, an inmate is provided a 90-day grace period after release during which he or she does not have to pay these fines, assessments, and charges. An arrest warrant is not to be issued for their nonpayment during this period. However, current law specifies that the inmate is responsible for the fines, assessments, and charges. This bill requires the DOC to also notify the inmate, upon release, of all fines or penalties for a violation of the motor vehicle and traffic laws (Title 39 of the Revised Statutes) which were outstanding at the time of incarceration. The bill also clarifies that the list of outstanding warrants and detainers that the inmate is to receive includes those issued by a municipal court. The 90-day grace period provided under current law would also apply to fines or penalties for a violation of the motor vehicle and traffic laws. Under the bill, after the 90-day period, an inmate is to be permitted to enter into a reasonable payment plan for all fines or penalties for a violation of the motor vehicle or traffic laws which were outstanding at the time of incarceration. Finally, an inmate would still be responsible for paying any outstanding fines or penalties for a violation of the motor vehicle and traffic laws; however, under the bill, no additional penalties are to be imposed while the inmate is incarcerated on any fines or penalties for a violation of the motor vehicle and traffic laws which were outstanding at the time of incarceration.

Committee Categories

Nick Scutari (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 02/13/2020)