This bill amends the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure, specifically section 1k of chapter IX, to clarify the imposition of costs and fines during sentencing. It establishes that when a defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty, the court must impose minimum state costs and may also impose various fines and costs related to the case. Notably, the bill removes a time limitation on certain costs, allowing the court to impose costs reasonably related to the actual expenses incurred by the trial court without needing to calculate those costs for each specific case.

Additionally, the bill outlines the court's responsibilities regarding the collection and reporting of these costs. It mandates that the court provide defendants with information about imposed costs and requires annual reporting to the state court administrative office on the costs imposed and collected. Importantly, it stipulates that a defendant cannot be incarcerated for nonpayment of costs unless the court finds that the defendant has the means to pay and has not made a good-faith effort to do so.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 769.1