Texas Legislators Vote To End Jail Time For Being Too Poor To Pay Fines
June 4, 2017
Texas legislators have just voted in favor of allowing low-income residents to pay off fines in methods other than money.

Senate Bill 1913, by state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, would allow courts to ask defendants if they are too poor to pay for traffic tickets, fines for other low-level and fine-only offenses or court costs.
After making that determination, courts would be allowed to reduce or waive fines and costs and offer community service as an alternative.
"They're not getting off scot-free. We're getting something for something," the bill's House sponsor, Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, told members Monday. "We are filling our jails up with people who should not be there."
Legislation tackling this issue has a high-profile supporter in Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht.
Jailing a person who can't pay fines and court costs "keeps them from jobs, hurts their families, makes them dependent on society and costs the taxpayers money," he said during his State of the Judiciary speech in February.
His Last Day As A Teacher After 36 Years. They Turned It Into A Memory For Life
'I Laughed And Cried': Vet’s Hilarious Condolence Card Brings Laughter To Grieving Cat Owner
Three Brothers Cleaning Out Mom’s Attic Found A Comic Worth $9 Million
Teen Runs His Own Restaurant ALONE — One Of The Most Uplifting Stories You'll Read
Pet Owners Share Hilarious Stories Of Paying The Vet… Just To Find Out Their Pets Are Weird
A Man Ruined A Beautiful Snowman Display — What Happened Next Was Perfect
A Stray Dog Wouldn't Let Go Of A Toy, So Shoppers Bought It For Him
Daycare Worker Goes Viral After Dancing For Babies — Their Reactions Are Priceless
Unexpected Friends: Rhino And Tiny Deer Play In Snow
Sheep Escape Herd And Wander Into Supermarket In Funny Video
Dog And Rooster Chase Each Other In The Funniest Video You’ll See Today
