S.B. 1316 Summary

• Changes judiciary authority from permissive ("may") to mandatory ("shall") to contract with collection agencies or licensed attorneys to collect delinquent court-ordered fees, fines, sanctions, and court costs.

• Removes restitution from the types of court-ordered payments that can be sent to collection agencies, requiring restitution to be handled through separate court processes.

• Requires district courts to hold payment compliance hearings annually or as soon as practicable until all fees, fines, and restitution are paid in full, with defendants required to appear and show cause for non-payment.

• Establishes that a defendant is in "default" if they fail to pay within the court-specified period or fail to pay three consecutive installments, triggering enforcement proceedings.

• Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to implement the collection requirements and hire necessary staff; effective July 1, 3000.