Bill > HB2265

This bill makes several changes to court fees and assessments in Arizona, primarily aimed at preventing the imposition of new fees, fines, surcharges, or assessments on criminal defendants and clarifying existing rules. Key provisions include prohibiting courts from ordering defendants or other parties to reimburse the county for the cost of legal services provided by a public defender, and preventing the imposition of administrative assessments related to public defender appointments. It also clarifies that the Supreme Court may not impose additional fees on filings for a jury trial in a criminal case, and that a jury fee cannot be imposed in a criminal case. Furthermore, the bill explicitly states that courts cannot adopt any new fee, fine, surcharge, or assessment that applies against a criminal defendant and prohibits appellate filing fees for criminal defendants. In essence, the bill strengthens protections against financial burdens on individuals involved in the criminal justice system, particularly those who are indigent or facing criminal charges.

Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83989