Action Alert: Support HB 1412

by | Feb 25, 2022 | General

HB 1412: Opening up Opportunities for Relief from LFO Debt

February 26 @ 9:00 am in the Senate Ways & Means Committee

The (engrossed fourth substitute) HB 1412 provides individuals with new and necessary opportunities to seek relief from LFO debt if they are unable to pay. The bill allows courts to waive or reduce restitution amounts owed to state agencies or insurers, if the individual lacks the ability to pay. The bill also eliminates the currently mandatory Victim Penalty Assessment (VPA) and DNA collection fee, replacing those LFOs with state funding. The bill also contains provisions that allow people who are incarcerated to ask the court for relief, allowing them to focus on successfully reintegrating into the community. 

What you can do to support:

  • Take 1 minute and log in as “Pro” prior to the Feb. 26th hearing! Click here and fill in your information. This is an easy way to support that only takes a second! You have until 8 am on Feb. 26 to sign in!
  • Submit written testimony! You have 24 hours after the start of the hearing to submit written comments, or until 9 am on Feb. 27. Click here and tell the Senate Ways & Means Committee why you support Opportunities for Relief from LFO Debt!
    • Sample message: “Dear Chair Rolfes and members of the Ways & Means committee, please support Engrossed Fourth Substitute House Bill 1412, concerning relief from legal financial obligations. This bill expands judicial discretion by allowing courts to waive certain LFOs and interest for people who are poor and lack the ability to pay and can show evidence of indigence. This bill is fiscally responsible because, rather than mandating waiver or reduction of LFOs, the bill simply opens the door for individuals to seek waiver before a judge if they lack the ability to pay. Only people who cannot pay will see these LFOs go away, causing minimal impact to budgets. The bill also creates a state funding source to replace the Victim Penalty Assessment, ensuring that victim services within the prosecutors’ offices receive more reliable funding. Thank you for supporting this incredibly important piece of legislation. Sincerely, (YOUR NAME).”