Bill > H2318

This bill amends Chapter 211D of the General Laws to strengthen the process for verifying claims of indigency and collecting outstanding delinquent legal fees. Key provisions include: - Requiring individuals claiming indigency to execute a waiver authorizing the court's chief probation officer to obtain information from state agencies to verify their financial status. - Mandating the chief probation officer to interview individuals seeking court-appointed counsel and prepare a written report with a recommendation on indigency. - Allowing the court to revoke the appointment of counsel if the individual is found to no longer meet the definition of indigency. - Imposing a $150 counsel fee that the individual must pay within 90 days, with the option to perform community service in lieu of payment. - Authorizing the clerk of the court to report unpaid counsel fees to the Department of Revenue, Department of Transitional Assistance, and Registry of Motor Vehicles, who can then intercept tax refunds or suspend the individual's driver's license until the fee is paid or worked off. - Requiring the Office of the Commissioner of Probation to submit quarterly reports on the implementation and effectiveness of the indigency verification procedures.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H2318