Bill > S2050

This bill aims to reform the system of fines and fees imposed on individuals in criminal cases. The key provisions are: 1. It increases the daily rate for committing a crime from $30 to $90. 2. It allows courts to order defendants to perform community service in lieu of paying fines and fees, with the number of hours based on the outstanding amount divided by the minimum wage rate. 3. It requires courts to set a specific due date for fines and fees, and cancel future court appearances if the defendant satisfies the obligation. 4. It mandates that courts inform defendants of their right to request community service, the potential for incarceration for non-payment, and set new due dates. 5. It establishes a presumption that defendants can pay, but allows them to present evidence of their financial situation to rebut this presumption. If the court finds the defendant unable to pay, it must waive the obligation. The goal of this bill is to provide more flexibility and consideration of a defendant's financial circumstances when imposing fines and fees, and to reduce the burden of these obligations through the option of community service.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S2050