Stops courts from billing people while they are in prison

Deferred or installment payment agreements; outstanding court-assessed fines, fees, taxes, or costs.

Engrossed· 2026-02-12

Who's it for

Who's it for: Everyday People

What it means for you

9/10Helps you

Good for everyday people ·

Plain‑English summary, cross‑checked against the official bill text.

This bill gives people leaving jail or prison a six-month grace period before they have to start paying their court fines.

Our take

What we think, in plain words.

When people go to prison, they cannot earn money to pay court fines. This bill forces courts to wait until six months after a person is released before asking for payment. It gives people a fair chance to find a job and get back on their feet instead of trapping them in debt the second they walk out the door.

Take action

Add your name. At 100 signatures we compile this petition and deliver it to the office — and every signer gets a message to send their own representatives.

0 of 100 in‑district signatures

Step 1 · Pick your position

Step 2 · Add your name

Picking a side above doesn't sign anything yet — a free account records your name on the petition and keeps it one signature per person. We'll bring you straight back here with your choice saved.

The facts

What the bill actually says, no spin.

Courts must put people sentenced to jail time on a delayed payment plan for fines.
The bill sets the payment due date at least 180 days after the person is released.
This applies to all fines and costs tied to the charges that put them in jail.
The legal clock for collecting the debt will not start until that new due date.