The bill amends Article 42.15 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to establish new guidelines for the payment of fines and costs by defendants. It introduces a new provision, Subsection (a-3), which stipulates that courts cannot require a defendant to pay more than five percent of their monthly income towards fines and costs without the defendant's agreement. Additionally, Subsection (b) is amended to clarify that when imposing fines and costs, courts may direct defendants to pay the total amount immediately, at a later date, or in specified portions at designated intervals, while also incorporating the new limitations set forth in Subsection (a-3).

The changes in this bill apply to defendants sentenced for offenses on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, regardless of when the offense occurred. This legislation aims to provide financial relief to defendants by capping the amount they are required to pay based on their income, thereby promoting fairness in the judicial process.