On March 25, 2025, the Commission submitted comments on a re-published proposal by the PA Supreme Court’s Criminal Procedural Rules Committee. The proposal was republished in response to the changes implemented by two recent laws: Act 163 (2022) and Act 138 (2024).
Act 163 allows courts in both summary and criminal cases to reduce or waive fines and costs when they determine an individual is unable to afford them. Act 138 permits magisterial district judges to assign community service as an alternative to license suspension when the judge determines that the individual is financially unable to bear the fines and costs associated with routine traffic offenses.
The Commission’s comments are intended to ensure the equitable application of the rules, consistent with the requirements of these Acts, and to suggest and support the implementation of clear procedures that separate poverty from punishment. Check out the link above to review our comments!