Criminal Justice Debt, Fines & Fees Archives

Comments Urging FCC to Retain Regulations Protecting Incarcerated People and Their Families' Access to Affordable Communications

February 3, 2026

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sought public comment on its proposed changes to regulations of Incarcerated People’s Communications Services (IPCS). These regulations apply to all state and federal prisons, local jails, and immigration detention centers. They were promulgated to protect incarcerated people and their loved ones from having to pay exorbitant amounts to stay in…

Massachusetts Voters Overwhelmingly Support Passage of the Road to Opportunity Act

January 21, 2026

Polling Finds Broad, Bipartisan Support for Ending Debt-Based Driving Restrictions

Statement of the Road to Opportunity Act Coalition on Favorable Report from Joint Transportation Committee

January 5, 2026

“We deeply appreciate the leadership of Senator Cyr and Chair Crighton in advancing this critical legislation."

What States Can Do to Protect Low-Income Families When Collecting Government Debts

November 21, 2025

State debt collection efforts can conflict with state anti-poverty programs. This issue brief discusses how states that seize income tax refunds to collect debts owed to the state may also be seizing safety-net payments such as state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC) funds. States should follow California’s example to protect…

What States Can Do About Medical Debt in Jails and Prisons

October 17, 2025

Many jails and prisons charge various fees, such as medical co-pays, emergency fees, prescription co-pays, medical device fees, and fees for necessary hygiene items. This issue brief discusses the problems caused by such fees and proposes state solutions.

Amicus Brief in U.S. v. Myers

August 14, 2025

The Federal Defenders of San Diego and NCLC submitted this amicus brief in support of the Ninth Circuit granting en banc review in United States v. Myers, No. 23-1034, 2025 WL 1300439 (9th Cir. May 6, 2025). Seven other organizations signed on: Family Assistance Program, Fines and Fees Justice Center, Juvenile Law Center, Prison Policy…

Seizing Family Homes to Collect Prison Fees

July 30, 2025

More than half of states allow seizure of inheritances, family homes to cover costs of incarceration

Handcuffing Heirs: How Seizing Inheritances to Collect Pay-to-Stay Prison Fees Hinders Recovery and Financial Stability

July 29, 2025

An inheritance is an important family legacy that can provide a safety net for future generations. For working families struggling to keep up with rising living costs, the transfer of a family home or other inheritance can provide newfound economic security. In particular, the anticipated wealth transfer from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs…

The Boston Globe: Driver’s licenses in limbo: Government debts jeopardize thousands of Mass. drivers

June 9, 2025

Appearing in The Boston Globe on June 9, 2025, Laura Crimaldi interviews NCLC Staff Attorney Caroline Cohn for coverage of how thousands of Massachusetts drivers each year face the possibility of losing their legal authority to drive, and sometimes the only fix carries an insurmountable cost. The state Registry of Motor Vehicles placed driver’s licenses…

Road to Opportunity Act: Stories from Impacted Drivers

June 9, 2025

This one-pager provides quotes from Massachusetts residents who lost their driver’s licenses due to unpaid fines and fees. The harms inflicted on these residents underscores the urgent need to pass the Road to Opportunity Act: An Act to increase opportunity by ending debt-based driving restrictions (H.3662/S.2368).

Massachusetts Lawmakers, Advocates Host Briefing to Discuss Bill to End Debt-Based Driving Restrictions

May 22, 2025

Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid and Sen. Julian Cyr will join advocates and Massachusetts residents directly impacted by debt-based driver’s license suspensions on May 29 for a briefing to discuss the Road to Opportunity Act.

Testimony Supporting Bill to End Colorado's Practice of Charging Medical Copays to People in Prison

April 23, 2025

NCLC submitted testimony to the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee in support of HB25-1026, “Repeal Copayment for Department of Corrections Inmate Health Care.” People incarcerated in jails and prisons throughout the United States are routinely charged fees and costs for medical care that are inconsistent with their lack of financial means. When people can’t afford to…

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