H.F. 3357 Summary

• Uniform traffic tickets must provide conspicuous notice of state-imposed surcharges and their current amounts, effective August 1, 2018.

• Traffic ticket summons must include language informing defendants they may request waiver of all or part of costs based on showing of indigency or undue hardship, with instructions to contact the Minnesota Court Payment Center.

• Courts may reduce criminal and traffic surcharges to installment payments or permit community work service in lieu of payment upon showing of indigency or undue hardship; surcharges may no longer be automatically imposed without consideration of ability to pay.

• Before sentencing a person to pay criminal fines, fees, or surcharges, courts must make a finding on the record regarding indigency or ability to pay, considering income, dependents, assets, liabilities, living expenses, means-tested benefits, and special circumstances.

• The requirement to consider indigency or hardship does not apply to persons charged with uniform fine schedule violations who pay all amounts without appearing before the court and without requesting a hearing.