Bill > HB132

This bill eliminates three specific fees currently imposed by Delaware's criminal legal system: a court security assessment, a videophone system fee, and a victims' rights fund fee. The bill repeals provisions that previously required defendants to pay these additional charges when convicted of crimes or traffic offenses, effectively removing the financial burden on individuals in the criminal justice system. These fee eliminations were recommended by the Criminal Legal System Imposed Debt Study Group, which recognized that such fees can create unstable revenue for government services and potentially burden individuals involved in the legal system. The bill ensures that any outstanding balances on these repealed fees will be discharged 30 days after the act takes effect. Additionally, the legislation includes a provision that the Judicial Branch will receive $3,180,100 in General Fund moneys to replace the revenue previously generated by the court security fee, and different sections of the bill will take effect at different times - some immediately and some contingent upon the Controller General's publication of a notice about the appropriated funds. The overall intent is to reduce financial strain on individuals in the criminal justice system while ensuring that affected agencies continue to receive necessary funding.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142165