NEARLY ALL JUVENILE COURT FINES AND FEES WOULD BE ELIMINATED UNDER A BILL HEADED TO THE GOVERNOR’S DESK. 

THE GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE LOW-INCOME FAMILIES AREN’T BURDENED BY HEAVY COURT FEES IF THEIR CHILD GETS INTO TROUBLE. BUT OPPONENTS, LIKE SENATOR JIL TRACY OF QUINCY, ARGUED THAT MANY FAMILIES CAN AFFORD THE COSTS AND NOTE THE FINANCIAL LOSS COUNTIES WOULD FACE.

SPONSOR BY SENATOR ROBERT PETERS OF CHICAGO SAYS THAT KIDS AND THEIR FAMILIES SHOULDN’T BE NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY THE FINES OR HAVE TO GO INTO DEBT TO PAY THEM OFF.

MINORS WOULD STILL HAVE TO PAY FINES FOR VIOLATIONS OF TRAFFIC, BOATING, FISHING AND HUNTING LAWS. IT’S NOW UP TO THE GOVERNOR TO SIGN THIS BILL INTO LAW.