TX SB2554

Requires all justice and municipal courts to establish three programs by January 1, 2026 for collecting unpaid traffic fines: an amnesty program, an indigency program, and an incentive program

Amnesty Program: Applies to traffic fines issued before September 1, 2023 that remain unpaid as of September 1, 2025; available to those owing more than $200 in unpaid fines with a $100 administrative fee (waivable for indigent persons); driver's license suspensions are temporarily lifted upon enrollment and permanently waived upon completion; program expires December 31, 2026

Indigency Program: Reduces fines for individuals at or below 200% of federal poverty level on traffic offenses unpaid for 2+ years; caps reduced fines at $150 total for 2 or fewer violations, or $75 per fine/$300 total for 3+ violations

Incentive Program: Available to individuals earning less than 300% of federal poverty guidelines with traffic fines unpaid for 2+ years; reduces fines to maximum $200 total for 2 or fewer violations, or $100 per fine/$500 total for 3+ violations; allows 12-month payment plans for those with 3+ unpaid fines

Courts must post program information on their websites, include eligibility notices on traffic citations, and notify the Department of Public Safety when participants successfully complete a program