Senate Bill 1610 Summary

• Increases court costs and fees in criminal cases, including raising traffic violation costs from $10.00 to $20.00, misdemeanor costs from $15.00 to $30.00, and felony costs from $25.00 to $50.00, with similar increases for DUI-related offenses.

• Increases juvenile case costs from $15.00 to $30.00 per case to be forwarded to the District Attorneys Council Revolving Fund for prosecution costs.

• Maintains existing base criminal case fees ($77.00 to $433.00 depending on offense type) while adding surcharges to various designated funds including Law Library, Court Information System, courthouse security, victim services, and child abuse prevention.

• Protects indigent defendants by allowing courts to waive or reduce language interpreter costs and by prohibiting advance payment for interpreter services or witness attendance processes prior to conviction.

• Effective date July 1, 2016, with emergency clause declaring immediate necessity for public peace and safety.