Bill > HB743

This bill modifies Texas criminal procedure laws to prohibit justice and municipal courts from imprisoning defendants for failing to pay fines or court costs for offenses punishable only by fine, or for contempt related to such judgments. Specifically, the bill prevents courts from confining individuals (including children) in jail solely due to their inability to pay fines, and limits municipalities' enforcement options to methods like executing against a defendant's property, but not imprisonment. When defendants are confined in jail, they must now be credited at a rate of at least $150 for each eight to 24-hour period served. The bill requires courts to hold a hearing where defendants can explain why they defaulted on judgment payment, rather than automatically jailing them. For children, the restrictions on imprisonment are even more stringent. The changes will apply to judgments not yet discharged when the law takes effect on September 1, 2025, and by September 2, 2025, counties and municipal jails are required to release individuals currently imprisoned under the now-prohibited circumstances. This legislation aims to address concerns about punishing poverty and ensure more equitable treatment of defendants who cannot afford to pay court-imposed financial obligations.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB743