According to the 2021 report of the bipartisan Juvenile Justice Task Force, financial obligations are one of the most significant barriers that can burden youth and keep them under court jurisdiction. As of 2023, failure or inability to pay fines continues to be the number one reason young people become involved in the juvenile justice system. These fines are often associated with summary offenses, like loitering, that are not serious enough to warrant a delinquency charge.

This bill eliminates the imposition of fines and most court fees and costs for juveniles, while prioritizing restitution payments for victims.

No child should become trapped in the justice system simply because of their or their parents’ inability to pay a fine. Please join us in correcting this by cosponsoring this long overdue legislation.