Loading chat...
VT H0926
Bill
Status
Introduced
3/11/2026
Primary Sponsor
Esme Cole
Click for details
AI Summary
- Prohibits the Judiciary from applying interest to unpaid fines or fees while a criminal defendant is incarcerated and for 90 days after release
- Extends the interest prohibition to collection agencies acting on behalf of the courts
- Grants courts authority to waive or adjust surcharges when a defendant demonstrates inability to pay
- Reflects Vermont policy that imposing interest or surcharges beyond what defendants can reasonably pay undermines the justice system's purpose of deterring criminal behavior and encouraging law compliance
Legislative Description
An act relating to taking account of a defendant’s ability to pay for purposes of criminal fines, fees, and surcharges
Last Action
Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
3/11/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary3/11/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available