PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB190

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB190

Introduced
3/8/23  

Caption

In enforcement, further providing for jurisdiction and penalties; in sentencing, further providing for sentencing generally, for fine, for collection of restitution, reparation, fees, costs, fines and penalties and for payment of court costs, restitution and fines, repealing provisions relating to fine and further providing for failure to pay fine; in licensing of drivers, repealing provisions relating to suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation, providing for fee for restoration of operating privilege and further providing for restoration of operating privilege, for occupational limited license and for probationary license; in financial responsibility, further providing for definitions; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, repealing provisions relating to inability to pay fine and costs.

Impact

The revisions proposed in HB 190 have broad implications for state laws concerning criminal justice and penalty enforcement. By repealing existing provisions that allow for the suspension of operating privileges due to nonpayment of court costs, the bill directly impacts those at risk of being disproportionately burdened by financial penalties. The changes encourage the development of installment payment options and enable the court to waive or reduce fines if a defendant proves they are financially unable to pay, thus promoting fair treatment in the legal system.

Summary

House Bill 190 aims to amend various titles in the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, addressing issues related to fines, court costs, and the financial responsibilities of defendants. A significant aspect of the bill is the emphasis on the ability-to-pay analysis, wherein courts are mandated to assess defendants' financial capabilities before imposing fines or costs. This amendment is directed at fostering a more equitable judicial process, particularly for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, by preventing incarceration solely due to inability to pay fines. The bill seeks to enhance the restoration of driving privileges for individuals whose licenses were previously suspended under specific conditions.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 190 is twofold. Proponents of the bill view it as a necessary step towards reforming the financial obligations imposed on defendants, arguing that it acknowledges the socioeconomic realities faced by many individuals in the judicial process. Opponents may raise concerns about the potential for increased leniency towards offenders, questioning whether these changes could undermine the intended punitive effects associated with criminal fines and restitution.

Contention

Notable points of contention within the conversation around HB 190 revolve around the balancing act between ensuring justice and maintaining accountability. Critics argue that the bill might inadvertently lessen the severity of penalties, thereby affecting the deterrent effects of fines. Furthermore, the bill's approach to community service as an alternative to paying fines has prompted discussions about its viability and effectiveness in ensuring that victims receive restitution while still addressing financial hardships of defendants.

Latest PA HB190 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session HB190

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB328

In sentencing, further providing for payment of court costs, restitution and fines, for fine and for failure to pay fine; in licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for inability to pay fine and costs.

PA SB334

In sentencing, further providing for payment of court costs, restitution and fines, for fine and for failure to pay fine; in licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for inability to pay fine and costs.

PA HB716

In penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for inability to pay fine and costs.

PA SB1118

In magisterial district judges, further providing for adjudication alternative program; in licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege, for suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation and for driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked, providing for driving while operating privilege is suspended for certain other offenses, for relief from administrative suspension and for relief from administrative suspension participation requirements; in fees, further providing for reinstatement of operating privilege or vehicle registration; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for inability to pay fine and costs.

PA HB1521

In magisterial district judges, further providing for adjudication alternative program; in licensing of drivers, further providing for drivers required to be licensed, for suspension of operating privilege, for suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation and for driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked, providing for driving while operating privilege is suspended for certain other offenses, for relief from administrative suspension and for relief from administrative suspension participation requirements; in fees, further providing for reinstatement of operating privilege or vehicle registration; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for inability to pay fine and costs.

PA HB286

In licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation.

PA SB362

In budget and finance, further providing for county portion of fines, etc.; in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for railroad trains not to block crossings; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1346

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege; in rules of the road in general, further providing for overtaking vehicle on the left and providing for vehicles passing pedestrians on a highway; in special vehicles and pedestrians, further providing for penalty for violation of subchapter; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for the offense of careless driving.

PA HB1671

In sentencing, further providing for sentencing generally and providing for restorative justice.

PA SB697

In sentencing, further providing for sentence of total confinement; in licensing of drivers, further providing for the offense of driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked and for ignition interlock limited license; and, in driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, further providing for ignition interlock.

Similar Bills

PA SB328

In sentencing, further providing for payment of court costs, restitution and fines, for fine and for failure to pay fine; in licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for inability to pay fine and costs.

PA SB334

In sentencing, further providing for payment of court costs, restitution and fines, for fine and for failure to pay fine; in licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for inability to pay fine and costs.

PA SB1118

In magisterial district judges, further providing for adjudication alternative program; in licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege, for suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation and for driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked, providing for driving while operating privilege is suspended for certain other offenses, for relief from administrative suspension and for relief from administrative suspension participation requirements; in fees, further providing for reinstatement of operating privilege or vehicle registration; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for inability to pay fine and costs.

PA HB1521

In magisterial district judges, further providing for adjudication alternative program; in licensing of drivers, further providing for drivers required to be licensed, for suspension of operating privilege, for suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation and for driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked, providing for driving while operating privilege is suspended for certain other offenses, for relief from administrative suspension and for relief from administrative suspension participation requirements; in fees, further providing for reinstatement of operating privilege or vehicle registration; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for inability to pay fine and costs.

PA HB1588

In enforcement, further providing for revocation, suspension or denial of license, permit or registration; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for denial or revocation of licenses and for period of revocation.

PA HB1846

In enforcement, further providing for revocation, suspension or denial of license, permit or registration; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for denial or revocation of licenses and for period of revocation.

TX HB4703

Relating to the operation and administration of and practice in and grants provided by courts in the judicial branch of state government.

VA HJR530

Magisterial system; Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study.