HB 1480 Summary

• Courts must determine ability to pay court financial obligations (fines, costs, fees, assessments) for children, parents, guardians, custodians, or responsible relatives, and ability to pay cannot impact the disposition imposed.

• Persons found unable to pay must be relieved of debt through hardship waivers, either in whole or in part, with courts considering factors including income, household expenses, dependents, assets, health conditions, and child support obligations.

• Courts shall presume inability to pay and automatically waive financial obligations for individuals who are totally disabled, receiving government assistance (TANF, SNAP, WIC, housing subsidies), or have income below 150% of federal poverty level.

• Youth cannot be held responsible for detention costs, and no court order may require detained or previously detained youth, parents, or guardians to pay detention facility expenses.

• Bill takes effect November 1, 2025, and establishes procedures for cost hearings, summons issuance, and periodic case reviews for unpaid financial obligations.