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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Angel Cruz State Rep. Rosita Youngblood D-Philadelphia www.pahouse.com/youngblood |
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Cruz/Youngblood proposal to require community service for those who cannot pay motor vehicle fines passes House
HARRISBURG, Nov. 20 – Pennsylvanians who violate the state’s traffic laws but are unable to pay the fines and costs of the ticket may soon be able to work it off as community service. On Monday, the state House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill (H.B.958) introduced by state Reps. Angel Cruz and Rosita Youngblood, both D-Phila., that would allow for community service as a punishment in lieu of fines for motor vehicle violations.
Cruz said the proposal would allow a court to establish a period of community service when a defendant pleads guilty to a motor vehicle violation and proves they are financially unable to pay the fines and costs associated with the conviction. He added that the duration, time and manner of community service would be determined by the court.
“There are many citizens throughout Pennsylvania who are living paycheck to paycheck and simply cannot afford to pay a fine if they are guilty of a motor vehicle violation,” Cruz said. “Many fines go unpaid and the situation becomes a downward spiral. With my legislation, the debt to society could be paid through community service rather than through the pocket book.”
Current law states that a person who is unable to pay a fine could be required to pay in installments and, if they fail to comply, could be imprisoned for violating the agreement. Youngblood believes that sending people to prison because they do not have the money to pay a fine is excessive and not conducive to the spirit of the law.
“For so many Pennsylvanians, paying even $10 a month in unexpected bills could be difficult to accomplish,” Youngblood said. “The way the law is currently written, someone could face jail time – one year for every $40 in fines -- if he or she does not meet the financial obligation. This is placing many citizens in tough situations -- do they choose milk for their children or face jail time for a traffic ticket?
“With this proposal, we have an opportunity to provide a means for people to be held accountable for breaking the law without placing them in dire financial situations,” she added.
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CONTACT: Bill Thomas |