Legislation authored by State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) providing offenders the option of paying court fees with community service was recently signed into law by the governor.
Currently, a convicted person who does not pay their court fees by a specified date defaults and can be sent to jail. Pressel said making these offenders serve time does not reimburse the court, but instead leaves taxpayers to foot the bill.
Under the new law, a court could reduce some or all of the costs owed by a person convicted of a felony or misdemeanor if they perform community service. Pressel said courts can determine the number of hours volunteered, multiply the hours by the state minimum wage, and subtract that figure from the total amount owed.
House Enrolled Act 1087 goes into effect July 1. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more.