The bill amends several articles of the Code of Criminal Procedure to increase the credit defendants receive toward the payment of fines and costs. Specifically, it raises the daily credit for confinement and labor from $100 to $150. This change applies to defendants who are unable to pay fines and costs associated with misdemeanor convictions or who are confined for other offenses after the commission of a misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill establishes that defendants will receive a credit of $150 for each eight hours of community service performed, which is also an increase from the previous rate of $100.

The amendments are applicable to defendants who are confined or perform labor to discharge fines or costs on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. This means that the new credit rates will apply regardless of when the offense occurred. The bill aims to provide more equitable opportunities for defendants to satisfy their financial obligations through work and community service.