SB 144 Summary

• Eliminates authority to collect most criminal justice administrative fees including those for probation, diversion programs, restitution collection, arrest processing, and inmate incarceration by making unpaid balances unenforceable and uncollectible effective January 1, 2020.

• Removes court authority to impose liens on defendants' property and make post-trial determinations of ability to pay for public defender costs, instead making public defender services free regardless of financial ability.

• Prohibits courts from requiring defendants convicted of driving under the influence to pay for certified ignition interlock device installation and servicing costs.

• Eliminates civil assessments of up to $300 against defendants who fail to appear in court or pay fines without good cause.

• Requires county reimbursement of state-mandated costs through existing statutory procedures if the Commission on State Mandates determines this bill imposes such costs.