H.B. No. 307 proposes amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure regarding the credit defendants receive toward the payment of fines and costs. The bill increases the daily credit rate for defendants who are unable to pay fines from $100 to $150 for both confinement and labor performed in county jail industries programs, workhouses, or community service projects. Additionally, it stipulates that defendants will receive credit for any time spent in jail or prison awaiting trial or serving a sentence for another offense, provided that this confinement occurred after the misdemeanor was committed.

The bill also standardizes the credit for community service, establishing that defendants will discharge not less than $150 of fines or costs for every eight hours of community service performed. These changes apply 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. The amendments aim to provide a more equitable system for defendants struggling to pay fines, ensuring that their efforts in community service and confinement are adequately recognized.