Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB716

Introduced
3/27/23  
Refer
3/27/23  
Refer
6/28/23  
Report Pass
7/6/23  
Refer
7/6/23  
Report Pass
7/7/23  
Engrossed
7/7/23  

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB 716 would alleviate some of the burdens faced by individuals unable to afford fines, thus helping to prevent the criminalization of poverty. By removing the punitive measures associated with nonpayment, such as imprisonment, the bill aims to foster a more equitable judicial process. It is expected to positively impact lower-income individuals who may previously have faced severe consequences for failing to pay fines, promoting fairness and compassion in the judicial system. The inclusion of community service as an option provides individuals with a tangible means of contributing to their communities instead of facing incarceration.

Summary

House Bill 716 seeks to amend Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by addressing the penalties and disposition of fines regarding individuals unable to pay. The bill allows courts to order installment payments for fines and costs when a defendant demonstrates financial hardship. Specifically, the bill modifies existing regulations to enable a more compassionate approach towards those who struggle to meet financial obligations resulting from traffic violations and other related offenses. Additionally, the bill introduces community service as an alternative for those who cannot pay their fines, recognizing the importance of offering practical solutions rather than resorting to incarceration.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 716 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocacy groups focused on social justice and reforming the criminal justice system. Supporters argue that the bill aligns with broader efforts to address systemic issues that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the proposed measures, particularly how they will be enforced and the extent to which they will genuinely benefit those in financial distress. The dialogue appears optimistic but cautious, acknowledging the need for thorough execution of the bill's provisions.

Contention

Despite its supportive sentiment, potential points of contention were raised about the practicality of implementing the community service option. Critics may question whether adequate infrastructure exists to manage community service placements effectively and ensure that they provide real value to the community and the individuals serving. Additionally, there may be concerns about the judicial discretion involved in determining eligibility for installment payments and community service, particularly whether it will be applied equitably across diverse populations.

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 HB190

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.

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 SB998

In rules of the road in general, further providing for racing on highways; in enforcement, further providing for disposition of impounded vehicles, combinations and loads; in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for subsequent convictions of certain offenses; imposing penalties; and making editorial changes.

PA HB2266

In rules of the road in general, further providing for racing on highways; in enforcement, further providing for disposition of impounded vehicles, combinations and loads; in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for subsequent convictions of certain offenses; imposing penalties; and making editorial changes.

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 HB196

In penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for subsequent convictions of certain offenses.

PA HB2620

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in licensing of drivers, further providing for drivers required to be licensed, providing for undocumented immigrant driver's license invalid and further providing for persons exempt from licensing and for carrying and exhibiting driver's license on demand; in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for the offense of homicide by vehicle, for the offense of aggravated assault by vehicle, for the offense of homicide by vehicle while driving under influence and for the offense of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under influence; in enforcement, further providing for impoundment for nonpayment of fines and vehicles or combinations with a gross vehicle weight rating of 17,000 pounds or less; in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for subsequent convictions of certain offenses; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.