Broad Support for Court Fines Overhaul, But Can States Afford It?

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has urged lawmakers to reform the state’s court fines and fees system. He believes these fees trap people in debt and increase repeat offenses.

During his Feb. 3 State of the State address, Stitt said he wants to remove fines and fees permanently to give people a true second chance.

The Problem with Court Fees

Currently, Oklahoma’s court system and several state agencies rely on fines and fees paid by criminal defendants.

Critics argue that this method is inefficient, unfairly affects low-income individuals, and forces courts to focus on debt collection instead of justice.

Several reform bills have been introduced this session, including proposals to eliminate a $40 monthly supervision fee and prevent courts from using private debt collectors.

“This is a small step towards eliminating these fees,” said Sarah Couture from the Fines and Fees Justice Center. “We can’t remove all of them this session, but it’s progress.”

How Much Do Oklahoma Courts Depend on These Fees?

In fiscal year 2024, about 25% of the $82.32 million budget for Oklahoma’s courts came from fines and fees. This is a drop from 2016 when fines and fees made up a much larger portion of the budget.

Court collections fell sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have continued to decline. Payments into the state’s judicial fund dropped from $29.5 million in 2021 to just $20.7 million in 2025.

To make up for the shortfall, court officials requested a $4.14 million special appropriation from the Legislature. If trends continue, only $15.5 million will be available in the judicial fund by 2026.

Other Agencies That Rely on Court Fees

Several public safety agencies also get funding from court fines.

These include the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the District Attorney’s Council, and the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training.

Even small convictions can add up. A misdemeanor for public intoxication results in at least $545 in fees. A felony for pointing a firearm can cost at least $965 in fees, according to the Fines and Fees Justice Center.

Can Someone Be Arrested for Not Paying?

Yes, but only if they deliberately avoid setting up a payment plan. More often, failure to pay results in a suspended driver’s license rather than jail time.

How Much Would It Cost to Eliminate These Fees?

The cost of removing fines and fees varies. A proposal to eliminate the district attorney’s supervision fee would cost about $10 million per year.

Another bill from 2022 aimed at cutting various agency fees had a price tag of $9.3 million.

At a legislative study session, Secretary of Public Safety Tricia Everest said it would take time to determine how much money agencies need from state funds instead of court fees.

Some fees have low collection rates, with only 10% to 20% being paid.

“We don’t know the full cost yet,” Everest said. “But it would be better if state agencies got direct funding rather than relying on people who often can’t pay.”

Do Lawmakers Support This Reform?

There is support for reform, but funding is a challenge. Lawmakers have about $120 million less to spend in the 2026 budget compared to 2025.

Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton said he has met with people who risk losing their driver’s licenses because they can’t afford their court debt. While the Senate is open to reforms, he noted that it must be balanced with other priorities.

“We need a better system,” Paxton said. “People who commit crimes should pay their debt to society, but they shouldn’t be stuck with it forever.”

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert said the governor’s proposal does not include a clear plan to replace the lost fee revenue.

“This will cost money,” Hilbert said. “It’s both a policy and financial decision.”

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What Reform Bills Are Being Considered?

Lawmakers are reviewing several bills aimed at reducing the financial burden of court fines and fees:

Senate Bill 973 (Todd Gollihare) – Prevents courts from using private debt collection agencies, which charge an extra 30% collection fee.
House Bill 2127 (Chris Kannady) – States that no one should be jailed for being unable to pay.
House Bill 1460 (Tammy West) – Eliminates several fees, including the $40 monthly probation supervision fee.
House Bill 1462 (Tammy West) – Requires courts to prioritize restitution payments.

These bills must pass committee votes by March 6 to move forward.

The Road Ahead

Oklahoma lawmakers agree that the current system needs improvement. However, balancing the budget while eliminating fees remains a challenge.

As discussions continue, lawmakers will have to decide whether they can afford to make these changes—or if they can afford not to.

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