Judges could waive court fees for people who cannot pay

Court fines and fees; waiver of fees for indigent defendant.

Introduced· 2026-01-13

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 would let judges skip charging court fees for traffic tickets and criminal cases if the person is too poor to pay them.

Our take

What we think, in plain words.

Right now, court fees can trap poor people in debt. Even a simple traffic ticket can cost way more than the fine itself because of added fees. This bill would give judges the power to drop those extra costs for people who truly have no money. It is a big step toward making the justice system fairer for everyone, no matter how much money they have in the bank. If you care about ending unfair debt traps, this is a bill to watch while it moves through the legislature.

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.

Judges could waive fees in criminal and traffic cases.
The rule applies to people who meet the state definition of being poor.
If someone already gets a free public lawyer, the court will assume they cannot pay the fees.
Judges can drop the fees on their own or if the person asks.
Courts can still lower or drop old debts if the person proves they cannot pay.