The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1152 on traffic amnesty program authored by Rep. Shackleford. The bill permits an eligible individual to petition a circuit or superior court, in the same case number for the violation, for a reduction in the amount owed for unpaid traffic infraction judgments, costs, and fees and reinstatement fees for Title 9 offenses that relate to the operation of motor vehicle. The offense must have been committed prior to January 1, 2016. The petition can be filed after December 31, 2018 and before July 1, 2020 and would require the payment of a $50 administrative fee. The bill specifies the contents of the petition, prosecutor ability to object to the petition, and the requirements on the court to notify the BMV when a petition is granted. If qualified the individual can receive a reduction of 50% or, if income is under 125% of the federal poverty level an 80% reduction and the ability to have a payment plan.
The Committee amended the bill to clarify that the reinstatement fees are still paid directly to the BMV, a person may not receive reinstatement if otherwise ineligible, and the BMV prescribes the form for notifications from the court. Several entities testified in support, including the Marion County Prosecutor, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Institute for Working Families, and Indiana Public Defender Council. The bill passed as amended 10-0.
Read the bill at: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2018/bills/house/1152