Bill > S755

This bill seeks to restrict the practice of fine time sentences, which refers to the commitment of individuals to prison or other places of confinement solely for non-payment of fines, fees, or other court-ordered monetary obligations. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Allowing courts to waive or reduce various assessments, such as license reinstatement fees and probation supervision fees, if they would cause a substantial financial hardship to the person or their family/dependents. 2. Prohibiting courts from committing individuals to prison or other confinement solely for non-payment of monies owed if the person has shown they are unable to pay without causing substantial financial hardship, and requiring the court to consider alternatives to incarceration in such cases. 3. Ensuring that individuals who are deemed indigent for the purpose of receiving court-appointed counsel are not assessed a fee for such assistance. 4. Requiring courts to inform individuals sentenced to pay fines, fees, or other expenses that non-payment may result in commitment to confinement, and that they have a right to address the court on their inability to pay. Overall, the bill aims to prevent the use of incarceration as a means of collecting unpaid fines and fees, and to ensure that courts consider the financial circumstances of the individual and their family when imposing monetary obligations.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S755