Vermont H. 926: An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the Town of Colchester

Bill Text

BILL AS INTRODUCED H.926
2026 Page 1 of 1

VT LEG #387554 v.1
H.926 1
SHORT FORM 2
Introduced by Representatives Cole of Hartford and Christie of Hartford 3
Referred to Committee on 4
Date: 5
Subject: Criminal procedure; sentencing 6
Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to prohibit the 7
Judiciary from applying interest to an unpaid fine or fee while a criminal 8
defendant is incarcerated and for 90 days after the defendant is released, 9
including by means of a collections agency. The bill also proposes to grant the 10
court the ability to waive or adjust a surcharge when the defendant 11
demonstrates an inability to pay. These processes would reflect Vermont’s 12
policy that, because the purpose of the justice system is to deter criminal 13
behavior and encourage compliance with the law, imposing interest or 14
surcharges in excess of what a defendant can reasonably pay undermines that 15
purpose. 16
An act relating to taking account of a defendant’s ability to pay for purposes 17
of criminal fines, fees, and surcharges 18
It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: 19
(TEXT OMITTED IN SHORT-FORM BILLS) 20