Allows a district attorney to assess a collection fee of 20% of funds due when the amount payable to the state or to a crime victim has not been satisfied. (gov sig) (EN INCREASE LF RV See Note)
The implementation of SB 68 would lead to a notable shift in how restitution is collected in Louisiana. By enabling district attorneys to impose collection fees, it aims to bolster the recovery process for victims of crime. The collected fees would support the operational costs of the district attorney's office, thereby enhancing their efficiency in handling restitution cases. This change is expected to potentially increase the overall funds available for victim support, while also clarifying the role of district attorneys in the recovery of unpaid restitution.
Senate Bill 68 focuses on amending the Code of Criminal Procedure in Louisiana, specifically addressing the provisions related to restitution recovery by district attorneys. This bill allows district attorneys to assess a collection fee of 20% on funds that are due but have not been paid to the state or crime victims. The bill's intent is to create a financial incentive for collection efforts, thereby supporting the fiscal operations of district attorney offices without affecting their existing funding structures. This amendment is geared towards ensuring that victims receive their due compensation in a timely manner while also enhancing the district attorney's capacity to enforce restitution orders.
The sentiment towards SB 68 appears to be largely positive among legislative circles, as the bill was passed unanimously in the House with a vote of 99 to 0. Supporters argue that the bill represents a proactive step in solidifying victim rights and emphasizes the importance of providing adequate resources for district attorneys to pursue these obligations. The general support likely stems from a shared understanding of the ethical implications surrounding victim compensation, as well as the fiscal prudence of allowing local authorities to retain funds for operational use.
While there has been broad support for SB 68, concerns may arise regarding the fairness of imposing collection fees, particularly for individuals who may have limited ability to pay. Critics of similar measures in legislative history have often pointed out that such fees can burden victims as much as they relieve the district attorney's workload. Nevertheless, the current bill does not seem to have significant opposition and has moved through the legislative process smoothly, indicating consensus on its objectives and expected outcomes.