Representatives France, Howell and Zephyr, Missoula County opposes HB 541: Require interest on criminal restitution and fines, up for hearing at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22 in the House Judiciary committee. This bill does not offer a clear benefit to victims or the community as increasing the financial burden related to crime tends to keep people in cycles of poverty. Collecting interest on criminal fines will not deter criminal activity nor will it increase accountability. Additionally, current payment systems in the Missoula County courts cannot account for adding interest to fines. Upgrading or replacing this system would require additional expenses not covered in this bill. Please oppose HB 541.
ReplyDeleteRepresentatives France, Howell and Zephyr,
Missoula County opposes HB 541: Require interest on criminal restitution and fines, up for hearing at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22 in the House Judiciary committee.
This bill does not offer a clear benefit to victims or the community as increasing the financial burden related to crime tends to keep people in cycles of poverty. Collecting interest on criminal fines will not deter criminal activity nor will it increase accountability. Additionally, current payment systems in the Missoula County courts cannot account for adding interest to fines. Upgrading or replacing this system would require additional expenses not covered in this bill.
Please oppose HB 541.