Bill > S1005

This bill proposes several changes to laws related to juvenile fees, fines, and restitution. Key provisions include: 1. Eliminating certain fines and fees for individuals who committed offenses while under the age of criminal majority (typically 18 years old). This includes prohibiting the assessment of fees for the appointment of counsel and eliminating the ability to commit someone solely for non-payment of fines or fees. 2. Limiting the use of restitution orders for juveniles, requiring a determination of the youth's ability to pay and prohibiting restitution orders that exceed that ability. It also allows for the modification or elimination of restitution orders if the juvenile is unable to pay. 3. Removing the requirement for a parent or guardian to appear before the court for certain property destruction offenses committed by a juvenile. 4. On the effective date of the bill, the balance of any court-assessed or court-ordered costs imposed against a juvenile are deemed unenforceable and not collectable. Overall, the bill aims to reduce the financial burden on juveniles and their families for offenses committed while under the age of criminal majority.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S1005