CA SB185

Requires courts to determine whether defendants charged with infractions are indigent and reduce base fines and fees by 80% if indigency is established, based on income at or below 250% of federal poverty level or receipt of specified public benefits.

Mandates courts provide alternatives to immediate payment including reasonable payment plans, with monthly payments not exceeding 5% of family income for non-indigent defendants and $0 monthly payments for indigent defendants until circumstances change; remaining debt discharged after 48 months if unpaid.

Requires courts to send defendants reminder notices of court appearance that include information about indigency determinations, payment options, consequences for failure to appear or pay, and right to trial by declaration.

Changes willful failure to appear on promise to appear from a misdemeanor to an infraction; repeals the misdemeanor for willfully failing to pay bail or fines in installments.

Eliminates authority for courts to notify Department of Motor Vehicles of failure to pay fines or bail; removes driver's license suspension authority for non-payment of traffic infractions, except for specified serious violations like DUI and reckless driving.