AB 177 Summary

• Repeals authority to collect numerous criminal administrative fees effective January 1, 2022, making unpaid balances unenforceable and vacating judgments that imposed these costs, including fees for lab analysis, drug testing, diversion programs, and incarceration.

• Increases court reporter transcript fees: original copies from $0.85 to $1.13 per 100 words, and copies purchased simultaneously from $0.15 to $0.20 per 100 words, effective January 1, 2022.

• Appropriates $25 million in fiscal year 2021-22 and $50 million annually thereafter to backfill county revenue lost from fee repeals.

• Provides Judicial Council and Chairperson emergency authority through January 31, 2022, to issue rules and orders addressing COVID-19 pandemic impacts on court operations, and requires reports on remote civil court proceedings and recommendations for statewide remote court framework by January 1, 2023.

• Modifies probation transfer procedures to prohibit receiving courts from imposing additional local fees and costs on defendants, and requires expanded online infraction adjudication tool accessible to defendants and their representatives.