HB 2102 introduces sweeping changes to how cities can impose and collect legal financial obligations (LFOs) in criminal cases.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Julia Reed (D–Seattle) and eliminates or restricts court-imposed costs, fees, and interest charges (except where a specific statute authorizes them) for LFOs ordered after conviction for a crime.

Last year, a similar bill was introduced and later included a fiscal note estimating that eliminating these obligations could cost cities $10 million per biennium. Cities agree with the need to not overburden those charged with a crime with insurmountable debt, and mechanisms already exist to allow courts to make those decisions on an individual basis.

Current law says cities and courts have broad authority to impose LFOs on defendants, such as costs for:

• Prosecution;
• Supervision; and
• Probation services.

Under HB 2102, these financial obligations could no longer be used as local tools for enforcement or leverage for accountability. The elimination of probation fees is particularly concerning for city courts, as probation departments are an important component of public safety and local governments’ ability to adequately assist persons making important life changes to navigate out of the criminal justice system.

AWC testified last week with our concerns and remain engaged on this issue due to its significant city fiscal impacts.