Bill > SB55

This bill modifies several articles in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to increase the daily credit rate for defendants who are unable to pay fines and costs from $100 to $150. Specifically, the bill allows defendants convicted of misdemeanors or felonies with imposed fines to earn credit toward their financial obligations through various means, including working in county jail industries programs, performing community service, or being confined in jail. When a defendant is unable to pay their fine, they can now earn $150 (up from $100) for each day of work or confinement. The bill also expands credit provisions to include time spent awaiting trial for another offense. Additionally, the bill stipulates that these changes will apply to defendants who are confined, perform labor, or do community service on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, regardless of when the original offense occurred. This modification aims to provide more flexible and equitable options for defendants struggling to pay court-imposed financial penalties.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB55