Bill > H722

This bill enacts comprehensive criminal justice debt reform by modifying several key aspects of court costs, fees, and penalties in North Carolina. The legislation reduces the General Court of Justice fee from $200 to $100 for defendants who fail to appear in court, requires courts to assess a defendant's ability to pay court costs before imposing them, and allows courts to waive costs through a written order with specific findings. The bill also limits crime laboratory service costs to a maximum of $600 and requires courts to consider a defendant's financial circumstances when determining their ability to pay fines or fees. Additionally, the bill prohibits driver's license revocation solely for failing to appear in court or pay fines and eliminates certain automatic reporting requirements to the Division of Motor Vehicles. Other significant provisions include waiving probation supervision fees when probation is extended only to complete monetary obligations, removing court costs for seat belt infractions, and preventing imprisonment for nonpayment of fines when an active sentence has been imposed. The reforms aim to reduce the financial burden on low-income defendants and prevent punitive actions that can create cycles of debt and legal complications.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H722