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Bill

HB 17

Fines and costs; period of limitations on collection, responsibility for collections.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 13 co-sponsors

Virginia bill restricts collection fees assessed against incarcerated defendants to reduce financial burden on confined individuals with minimal income capacity.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0355)
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Bill Summary · HB 17

Legislative bill overview

HB 17 modifies Virginia's collection practices for court fines, costs, and forfeitures by restricting or eliminating collection fees that can be assessed against incarcerated defendants. The bill appears designed to prevent additional financial burdens on individuals who are already confined and have limited income-earning capacity while incarcerated.

Why is this important

Court-ordered financial obligations can accumulate substantially during incarceration, creating debt barriers to reentry and rehabilitation. Restricting collection fees on incarcerated individuals addresses concerns that these additional charges disproportionately burden low-income defendants and those unable to generate income while imprisoned, potentially affecting their ability to reintegrate successfully into society after release.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Counties and courts rely on collection fees as part of their revenue structure; eliminating or reducing these fees could affect local judicial budgets and cost-recovery mechanisms
  • Fairness arguments: Debate over whether incarcerated defendants should be treated differently from other defendants regarding collection fees, and whether this creates unequal treatment
  • Implementation scope: Unclear how broadly the restrictions apply—whether they affect all collection fees, only certain categories, or have income thresholds; the specific amendments made in committee would determine actual impact

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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