Panel advances bill widening eligibility for community service instead of fines to some felony convictions

The Senate Judiciary Committee favorably recommended Senate Bill 185, a measure expanding courts’ authority to permit community service in lieu of fines to a broader set of convictions, including certain felonies, and raising the conversion rate used to calculate credit for community service.

Sponsor Senator Chris Pitcher said the 2018 law authorized community service in lieu of fines for misdemeanor convictions; SB 185 would allow courts to consider community service for eligible felony convictions and would increase the hourly valuation from $10 to $12. Pitcher said the $12 figure approximates inflation from the original law’s effective date and is intended to simplify court calculations.

The sponsor told the committee the change would help defendants who lack the financial ability to pay fines while providing courts a means to ensure agreed service is completed and to support victims’ interests. Pitcher said unpaid fines sent to the Office of State Debt Collection are rarely collected.

There was no public opposition in the hearing and no committee objections. Senator Pitcher moved the committee to favorably recommend the bill; the motion passed unanimously.

Outcome: Committee favorably recommended SB 185 to the Senate (vote recorded as 6–0).