Bill
Bill > S290
NJ S290
NJ S290Grants court discretion to adjust, reduce, or waive certain mandatory legal financial obligations based on ability of defendant to pay.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill grants the court the discretion to adjust, reduce, or waive certain fines, fees, penalties, assessments, and legal financial obligations (collectively referred to as "LFOs") of criminal defendants based on ability of the defendant to pay. Under the bill, the court may exercise its discretion to adjust, reduce, or waive any mandatory LFOs imposed on a defendant convicted of a crime or offense, including a non-indictable offense, based on the defendant's inability to pay, the interests of justice, or if the LFO would be contrary to the purposes of rehabilitation. The bill requires the court to state, on the record, the factors that resulted in the adjustment, reduction, or waiver of a mandatory fines, fees, penalties, assessments, or other legal financial obligations. The bill incorporates recommendation D of the New Jersey Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission's third report, dated March 2023, except that the bill includes a requirement that the court state, on the record, the factors that resulted in the adjustment, reduction, or waiver of a mandatory fines, fees, penalties, assessments, or other legal financial obligations.
AI Summary
This bill grants judges the authority to adjust, lower, or completely eliminate certain mandatory financial penalties, such as fines, fees, and assessments, that are imposed on individuals convicted of crimes, including minor offenses. This discretion can be exercised if the defendant cannot afford to pay, if it serves the interests of justice, or if the financial obligation hinders the defendant's rehabilitation efforts. The bill requires judges to explain the specific reasons for any such adjustment, reduction, or waiver on the official court record, providing transparency and accountability for these decisions.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S290 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S0500/290_I1.HTM |
Loading...