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. Specifically, it introduces a new provision, Subsection (a-3), which prohibits courts from requiring defendants 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 courts can direct defendants to pay the total amount of fines and costs at the time of sentencing, at a later date, or in specified portions at designated intervals, while incorporating the new limitations set forth in Subsection (a-3).

The changes outlined in this bill will 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.