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HB 481

Restitution; order of restitution, given priority over all other fines, costs, and fees

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris England

HB 481 makes crime victim restitution the top priority for defendant payments, ahead of all court fines, costs, and fees.

Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar (Judiciary)
#criminalprocedure
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Bill Summary · HB 481

Legislative bill overview

HB 481 would establish that restitution orders—payments to crime victims for losses incurred—take priority over all other financial obligations imposed by courts, including fines, court costs, and other fees. This means when a defendant has limited resources, restitution to victims would be paid first before any money goes to court administrative fees or other penalties.

Why is this important

Crime victims often struggle to recover financial losses from their victimization, and court-imposed fines and fees can compete with restitution for limited defendant resources. By prioritizing restitution, the bill aims to ensure victims are compensated for actual harms before money flows to government accounts or other purposes, potentially improving victim recovery rates.

Potential points of contention

  • Government revenue impact: Lowering the priority of court costs and administrative fees could reduce funding for court operations, public defense, and judicial system administration
  • Practicality concerns: Defendants with minimal income may struggle to pay any obligations; prioritization doesn't guarantee victims receive full restitution if resources are insufficient
  • Fairness questions: Some argue other creditors and the justice system deserve payment priority, or that a balanced tiered approach (rather than absolute priority) better serves multiple legitimate interests

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

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