Amends and adds to existing law to provide for priority and order of payments of debts in criminal cases.
COURTS - Amends and adds to existing law to provide for priority and order of payments of debts in criminal cases.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
When an offender makes a partial payment toward the fines, fees, costs and restitution that he or she has been ordered to pay by the court, the clerk of the court must have guidance as to which of those debts should be paid first. The Legislature has given priority to a few of the obligations that offenders are ordered to pay; the Supreme Court has required compliance with these legislative directives, andhasestablishedapriorityforotherobligationswhosepriorityhasnotbeenaddressed in legislation. This bill comprises in a single statute the various legislative provisions that have been enacted regarding the priority of payments. It clarifies those priorities and the method of payment in three ways. First, it defines court costs, which have been given the highest priority by the Legislature. Second, it gives the same priority to misdemeanor probation supervision fees that the Legislature has given to felony probation supervision fees. Finally, it provides that all payments, other than some restitution payments, are to be made through the clerk of the court. This is essential for the operation of the new Odyssey court management system that is being implemented throughout the state. It will ensure that payments are tracked and given the proper priority.
LATEST ACTION
Reported Printed and Referred to Judiciary, Rules, & Administration
BILL INFO
- Session
- 2016
- Chamber
- house
- Status date
- Feb 2, 2016