Bill > SB1208

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Judiciary and Judicial Procedure laws to further regulate the collection of court costs, restitution, fees, fines, and penalties. Key provisions include: 1. Requiring at least 50% of monies collected by county probation departments or other designated agents to be used to pay restitution to victims until the defendant's restitution obligation is satisfied, with the remaining funds used to pay other court-ordered obligations. 2. Allowing the use of credit/debit cards and bank account deductions for payment of court costs, restitution, and fines. 3. Providing procedures for defendants to request new financial determination hearings if their accounts are turned over to private collection agencies, and requiring agencies to notify defendants of this right. 4. Allowing issuing authorities to reduce or waive costs and fines (except Crime Victims Act costs) based on the defendant's financial resources and ability to pay. 5. Permitting private collection agencies to report defendants' failures to pay only after a financial determination hearing has confirmed the defendant's ability to pay.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2021&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1208