It is the intent of the Montana Association of Counties to seek an increase of the current $25 fee to $50 for each misdemeanor and felony charge under Title 45, 61-8-401 or
61-8-406 to assist in funding Victim Services Programs.
WHEREAS, counties provide Victim Services Programs to assist hundreds of victims of violent crime each year; and,
WHEREAS, grant funding for these programs continues to decline on an annual basis; and,
WHEREAS, the intent of the original legislation [MCA 46-18-236(c)] was to have offenders pay for victim’s services; and,
WHEREAS, courts should be allowed to charge a more substantial fee in order to further the intent of the law and provide adequate services to victims of the offender’s crimes.
Suggested change:
46-18-236 (1)(c) “an additional $25 $50 for each misdemeanor and
felony charge under Title 45, 61-8-401, or 61-8-406.”
SPONSOR: District 9
RECOMMENDATION: Do Pass
PRIORITY: High
REFERRED TO: Justice and Public Safety
ADOPTED: