DE HB244

Prohibits courts from ordering children or their parents to pay fines, fees, costs, or detention facility support fees in juvenile delinquency proceedings (with limited exceptions for Title 21 offenses).

Eliminates driver's license suspension as a penalty for nonpayment of fines, fees, costs, assessments, or restitution; prohibits courts from charging additional fees, late payment interest, or convenience fees on financial obligations.

Restricts wage garnishment for court-ordered payments to one-fourth of a defendant's earnings (down from one-third) and prohibits employers from penalizing employees for wage assignments.

Repeals the $100 administrative fee assessed against defendants represented by public defenders or appointed counsel and repeals the $200 probation supervision fee.

Establishes a Criminal Legal System Imposed Debt Study Group to review the impact of criminal justice financial obligations and recommend reforms regarding appropriateness of existing charges, alternative sanctions, and reducing dependence on court-imposed fines and fees as revenue sources; interim report due February 1, 2023, final report due September 1, 2023.