Oh, is that me on a flyer with Bryan Stevenson? I didn't notice.💅
(For real though, please check out this conference on what it will take to end Alabama's prison crisis. I'll be talking #finesandfees, and other people will talk about stuff that's actually interesting!)
(For real though, please check out this conference on what it will take to end Alabama's prison crisis. I'll be talking #finesandfees, and other people will talk about stuff that's actually interesting!)
August 11, 2026 at 9:27 PM
Oh, is that me on a flyer with Bryan Stevenson? I didn't notice.💅
(For real though, please check out this conference on what it will take to end Alabama's prison crisis. I'll be talking #finesandfees, and other people will talk about stuff that's actually interesting!)
(For real though, please check out this conference on what it will take to end Alabama's prison crisis. I'll be talking #finesandfees, and other people will talk about stuff that's actually interesting!)
The mom paying for calls to her incarcerated son instead of groceries for herself. The dad living houseless—he owes more in #finesandfees debt than he'll ever make. Families sacrificing basic needs.
$27.7 billion of harm. Why? Because the system prioritizes revenue over justice. @prisonpolicy.org👇🏽
$27.7 billion of harm. Why? Because the system prioritizes revenue over justice. @prisonpolicy.org👇🏽
Following the Money of Mass Incarceration 2026
Graph showing who profits from mass incarceration. (Hint: It's not just the private prison companies.)
www.prisonpolicy.org
February 12, 2026 at 2:17 PM
The mom paying for calls to her incarcerated son instead of groceries for herself. The dad living houseless—he owes more in #finesandfees debt than he'll ever make. Families sacrificing basic needs.
$27.7 billion of harm. Why? Because the system prioritizes revenue over justice. @prisonpolicy.org👇🏽
$27.7 billion of harm. Why? Because the system prioritizes revenue over justice. @prisonpolicy.org👇🏽
Before policymakers increase taxes, they commission studies to forecast revenue and externalities. They don’t do the same before upping criminal legal fees. My new research shows increased local fees in Alabama correlate w increased local jail populations. #finesandfees
Via Ralph Chapoco: A study released earlier this month found that Alabama counties that increased criminal fines and fees also saw increases in their jail populations.
Study: Alabama counties that raised criminal fines also saw jail populations increase | Alabama Reflector
Every $100 in fines and fees that courts in different counties correlates with 34 additional people per 100,000 who are detained.
alabamareflector.com
July 14, 2026 at 12:34 PM
Before policymakers increase taxes, they commission studies to forecast revenue and externalities. They don’t do the same before upping criminal legal fees. My new research shows increased local fees in Alabama correlate w increased local jail populations. #finesandfees
In just 10 years, the #FinesAndFees reform movement has emerged as a unifying, bipartisan force. From our recent wins in Oklahoma and Nevada, to growing momentum nationwide, we’re driving reforms that expand access to #justice for all – regardless of income.
Stay in the know 👉 tinyurl.com/2hr264j2
Stay in the know 👉 tinyurl.com/2hr264j2
June 11, 2025 at 2:13 PM
In just 10 years, the #FinesAndFees reform movement has emerged as a unifying, bipartisan force. From our recent wins in Oklahoma and Nevada, to growing momentum nationwide, we’re driving reforms that expand access to #justice for all – regardless of income.
Stay in the know 👉 tinyurl.com/2hr264j2
Stay in the know 👉 tinyurl.com/2hr264j2
New research from me! Local criminal legal fee increases in Alabama are associated with increased local jail populations. If the goal is to raise money and deter crime, local fees appear to fail at both #finesandfees
parcalabama.org/local-court-...
parcalabama.org/local-court-...
Local Court Fee Increases Associated with Increased Jail Detention, New Research Finds - Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama
New research led by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) and MDRC indicates that each additional $100 in Read the full release.
parcalabama.org
July 8, 2026 at 12:59 PM
New research from me! Local criminal legal fee increases in Alabama are associated with increased local jail populations. If the goal is to raise money and deter crime, local fees appear to fail at both #finesandfees
parcalabama.org/local-court-...
parcalabama.org/local-court-...
📢 We’re officially on Bluesky! ☁️
At FFJC, we’re fighting to stop governments from bankrupting families to bankroll themselves through the unjust imposition of #FinesAndFees.
👉 Follow us for fines & fees reform updates, legislative wins, research, and stories from across the country.
At FFJC, we’re fighting to stop governments from bankrupting families to bankroll themselves through the unjust imposition of #FinesAndFees.
👉 Follow us for fines & fees reform updates, legislative wins, research, and stories from across the country.
June 10, 2025 at 1:58 PM
📢 We’re officially on Bluesky! ☁️
At FFJC, we’re fighting to stop governments from bankrupting families to bankroll themselves through the unjust imposition of #FinesAndFees.
👉 Follow us for fines & fees reform updates, legislative wins, research, and stories from across the country.
At FFJC, we’re fighting to stop governments from bankrupting families to bankroll themselves through the unjust imposition of #FinesAndFees.
👉 Follow us for fines & fees reform updates, legislative wins, research, and stories from across the country.
Financial harm is a built-in feature of the U.S. #criminaljustice system. From #finesandfees to predatory banking practices, the system traps millions of people—and their families—in debt that lasts long after release.
Learn more in #CostofConviction: justuscc.org/costofconviction
Learn more in #CostofConviction: justuscc.org/costofconviction
December 24, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Financial harm is a built-in feature of the U.S. #criminaljustice system. From #finesandfees to predatory banking practices, the system traps millions of people—and their families—in debt that lasts long after release.
Learn more in #CostofConviction: justuscc.org/costofconviction
Learn more in #CostofConviction: justuscc.org/costofconviction
Kami, TCI Policy Analyst, testified on a number of #FinesAndFees bills today.
The key message: Together, we can improve transparency and fairness in the legal system so that justice doesn't depend on where you live or how much is in your wallet.
The key message: Together, we can improve transparency and fairness in the legal system so that justice doesn't depend on where you live or how much is in your wallet.
January 15, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Kami, TCI Policy Analyst, testified on a number of #FinesAndFees bills today.
The key message: Together, we can improve transparency and fairness in the legal system so that justice doesn't depend on where you live or how much is in your wallet.
The key message: Together, we can improve transparency and fairness in the legal system so that justice doesn't depend on where you live or how much is in your wallet.
NV has already made major #FinesAndFees reform strides — most recently, by ending public defender fees & court debt payment plan fees. With #SB88, NV takes another step to #EndJusticeFees, and toward a future where debt from #FinesAndFees never blocks a second chance.
June 12, 2025 at 7:10 PM
NV has already made major #FinesAndFees reform strides — most recently, by ending public defender fees & court debt payment plan fees. With #SB88, NV takes another step to #EndJusticeFees, and toward a future where debt from #FinesAndFees never blocks a second chance.
The data is clear: fines and fees don’t deliver justice — they impose instability. ⛔
For decades, our state & local governments have relied on #FinesAndFees to fill budget gaps – extracting money from people drawn into our criminal, juvenile, traffic, and municipal courts. 🧵
For decades, our state & local governments have relied on #FinesAndFees to fill budget gaps – extracting money from people drawn into our criminal, juvenile, traffic, and municipal courts. 🧵
July 16, 2025 at 4:49 PM
The data is clear: fines and fees don’t deliver justice — they impose instability. ⛔
For decades, our state & local governments have relied on #FinesAndFees to fill budget gaps – extracting money from people drawn into our criminal, juvenile, traffic, and municipal courts. 🧵
For decades, our state & local governments have relied on #FinesAndFees to fill budget gaps – extracting money from people drawn into our criminal, juvenile, traffic, and municipal courts. 🧵
Victims support matters. Funding that support through #finesandfees is failed policy.
Excellent new essay from @rachelbarkow.bsky.social unpacks how '80s ideologies—defined by racist stereotypes and states' consistent push to minimize their responsibility—have failed everyone. Especially victims.
Excellent new essay from @rachelbarkow.bsky.social unpacks how '80s ideologies—defined by racist stereotypes and states' consistent push to minimize their responsibility—have failed everyone. Especially victims.
Political Victims: How the Politics of Victims’ Rights Comes Up Short
<p>Although America’s victims’ rights movement has achieved enhanced punishments and important rights for victims in criminal cases, it has accomplished little
papers.ssrn.com
March 12, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Victims support matters. Funding that support through #finesandfees is failed policy.
Excellent new essay from @rachelbarkow.bsky.social unpacks how '80s ideologies—defined by racist stereotypes and states' consistent push to minimize their responsibility—have failed everyone. Especially victims.
Excellent new essay from @rachelbarkow.bsky.social unpacks how '80s ideologies—defined by racist stereotypes and states' consistent push to minimize their responsibility—have failed everyone. Especially victims.
Big day at the General Assembly 🎉 #VaLeg
Three #FinesAndFees bills advancing today — with strong and bipartisan support in some cases — would make Virginia’s court debt system fairer, clearer, and more effective... 🧵
Three #FinesAndFees bills advancing today — with strong and bipartisan support in some cases — would make Virginia’s court debt system fairer, clearer, and more effective... 🧵
January 21, 2026 at 10:48 PM
Big day at the General Assembly 🎉 #VaLeg
Three #FinesAndFees bills advancing today — with strong and bipartisan support in some cases — would make Virginia’s court debt system fairer, clearer, and more effective... 🧵
Three #FinesAndFees bills advancing today — with strong and bipartisan support in some cases — would make Virginia’s court debt system fairer, clearer, and more effective... 🧵
For women juggling low wages & caregiving, #FinesAndFees aren’t just a bill – they’re a barrier to housing, jobs, and family stability.
Removing these financial burdens means providing real opportunity for women and real support for families.
👇
tinyurl.com/48ba6tvz
Removing these financial burdens means providing real opportunity for women and real support for families.
👇
tinyurl.com/48ba6tvz
June 13, 2025 at 3:11 PM
For women juggling low wages & caregiving, #FinesAndFees aren’t just a bill – they’re a barrier to housing, jobs, and family stability.
Removing these financial burdens means providing real opportunity for women and real support for families.
👇
tinyurl.com/48ba6tvz
Removing these financial burdens means providing real opportunity for women and real support for families.
👇
tinyurl.com/48ba6tvz
FFJC is leading a powerful bipartisan movement for #FinesAndFees reform, built on the belief that justice should never come with a price tag.
With 1 in 3 Americans impacted by fines & fees, reform is urgent—and key to dismantling this widespread injustice.
🔗 tinyurl.com/yfrhekup
With 1 in 3 Americans impacted by fines & fees, reform is urgent—and key to dismantling this widespread injustice.
🔗 tinyurl.com/yfrhekup
June 12, 2025 at 2:35 PM
FFJC is leading a powerful bipartisan movement for #FinesAndFees reform, built on the belief that justice should never come with a price tag.
With 1 in 3 Americans impacted by fines & fees, reform is urgent—and key to dismantling this widespread injustice.
🔗 tinyurl.com/yfrhekup
With 1 in 3 Americans impacted by fines & fees, reform is urgent—and key to dismantling this widespread injustice.
🔗 tinyurl.com/yfrhekup
🚨New survey: 78% of MA voters back the #RoadToOpportunityAct.
Every year, Massachusetts suspends thousands of licenses over unpaid #FinesAndFees. With 70% of Bay Staters commuting by car, many are forced to keep driving, risking more fees & arrest to care for their families.
Every year, Massachusetts suspends thousands of licenses over unpaid #FinesAndFees. With 70% of Bay Staters commuting by car, many are forced to keep driving, risking more fees & arrest to care for their families.
January 21, 2026 at 4:17 PM
🚨New survey: 78% of MA voters back the #RoadToOpportunityAct.
Every year, Massachusetts suspends thousands of licenses over unpaid #FinesAndFees. With 70% of Bay Staters commuting by car, many are forced to keep driving, risking more fees & arrest to care for their families.
Every year, Massachusetts suspends thousands of licenses over unpaid #FinesAndFees. With 70% of Bay Staters commuting by car, many are forced to keep driving, risking more fees & arrest to care for their families.
🎉 BIG NEWS FROM NEVADA! 🎉
Governor Lombardo just signed #SB88 into law — ending the harmful practice of saddling returning Nevadans with medical debt upon release.
With SB 88, thousands will gain a fairer chance to rebuild, free from the burden of #FinesAndFees!
Governor Lombardo just signed #SB88 into law — ending the harmful practice of saddling returning Nevadans with medical debt upon release.
With SB 88, thousands will gain a fairer chance to rebuild, free from the burden of #FinesAndFees!
June 12, 2025 at 7:10 PM
🎉 BIG NEWS FROM NEVADA! 🎉
Governor Lombardo just signed #SB88 into law — ending the harmful practice of saddling returning Nevadans with medical debt upon release.
With SB 88, thousands will gain a fairer chance to rebuild, free from the burden of #FinesAndFees!
Governor Lombardo just signed #SB88 into law — ending the harmful practice of saddling returning Nevadans with medical debt upon release.
With SB 88, thousands will gain a fairer chance to rebuild, free from the burden of #FinesAndFees!
House Bill 17 advances! 🎉
Sending debt to collections too early adds confusion — and fees as high as 35% in some localities.
HB17 would align the start of collections and interest at 180 days. More time. Less harm.
#VaLeg #FinesAndFees
Sending debt to collections too early adds confusion — and fees as high as 35% in some localities.
HB17 would align the start of collections and interest at 180 days. More time. Less harm.
#VaLeg #FinesAndFees
January 21, 2026 at 10:48 PM
House Bill 17 advances! 🎉
Sending debt to collections too early adds confusion — and fees as high as 35% in some localities.
HB17 would align the start of collections and interest at 180 days. More time. Less harm.
#VaLeg #FinesAndFees
Sending debt to collections too early adds confusion — and fees as high as 35% in some localities.
HB17 would align the start of collections and interest at 180 days. More time. Less harm.
#VaLeg #FinesAndFees
This session, #VaLeg is shaping the future of court #FinesAndFees.
These policies have a long history — and real consequences.
Our summary explains why that history should guide today’s votes:
These policies have a long history — and real consequences.
Our summary explains why that history should guide today’s votes:
From History to Harm: Fines and Fees in Virginia — and Who Pays the Price - The Commonwealth Institute
Virginia court fines and fees: how it started, who they impact, and why reform matters for fairness and stability.
thecommonwealthinstitute.org
February 12, 2026 at 4:03 PM
This session, #VaLeg is shaping the future of court #FinesAndFees.
These policies have a long history — and real consequences.
Our summary explains why that history should guide today’s votes:
These policies have a long history — and real consequences.
Our summary explains why that history should guide today’s votes:
Court debt shouldn’t follow someone for decades.
#VaLeg advanced a 10-year limit to give more people a real chance to move forward.
Read the statement ⤵️
#FinesAndFees
#VaLeg advanced a 10-year limit to give more people a real chance to move forward.
Read the statement ⤵️
#FinesAndFees
Statement: Both House and Senate Advance Legislation to End Decades-Long Court Debt - The Commonwealth Institute
Today, Kami Blatt, Decriminalization of Poverty Policy Analyst at The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis (TCI), released the following statement following the Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 1...
thecommonwealthinstitute.org
February 13, 2026 at 10:36 PM
Court debt shouldn’t follow someone for decades.
#VaLeg advanced a 10-year limit to give more people a real chance to move forward.
Read the statement ⤵️
#FinesAndFees
#VaLeg advanced a 10-year limit to give more people a real chance to move forward.
Read the statement ⤵️
#FinesAndFees
Despite growing pressure to revert to “tough-on-crime” policies, FFJC and our partners in Nevada held the line this legislative session, securing major wins for those most deeply impacted by #FinesAndFees in the state’s criminal legal system.
💡 tinyurl.com/3ytkxpf8
💡 tinyurl.com/3ytkxpf8
For criminal justice reforms, the legislative session was a mixed bag • Nevada Current
Legislation discharging medical debt for people leaving prison and preventing courts from charging people fees for using a public defender passed this session. Attempts to authorize red light cameras ...
tinyurl.com
June 24, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Despite growing pressure to revert to “tough-on-crime” policies, FFJC and our partners in Nevada held the line this legislative session, securing major wins for those most deeply impacted by #FinesAndFees in the state’s criminal legal system.
💡 tinyurl.com/3ytkxpf8
💡 tinyurl.com/3ytkxpf8
April is #SecondChanceMonth — time to reflect on and recommit to ending barriers standing btwn the 1-in-3 U.S.'ians w/ a criminal record and their chance to heal, grow, & thrive. Chief among those barriers? #finesandfees across the criminal legal system. finesandfeesjusticecenter.org/2025/04/01/s...
The Price of a Fresh Start: True Second Chances Start With Fines and Fees Reform - Fines and Fees Justice Center
Whether you’re fighting for parole and probation reform, advocating for fair housing, supporting reentry programs, or working to expand employment access, this #SecondChanceMonth, we’re calling on cri...
finesandfeesjusticecenter.org
April 2, 2025 at 7:08 PM
April is #SecondChanceMonth — time to reflect on and recommit to ending barriers standing btwn the 1-in-3 U.S.'ians w/ a criminal record and their chance to heal, grow, & thrive. Chief among those barriers? #finesandfees across the criminal legal system. finesandfeesjusticecenter.org/2025/04/01/s...
Michigan passed reforms to stop imposing court fines & fees on children — often very young (someone quoted here was *11*!).
And the reforms applied retroactively this fall, relieving millions of dollars of debt that were weighing people down from young ages.
NEW: boltsmag.org/michigan-juv...
And the reforms applied retroactively this fall, relieving millions of dollars of debt that were weighing people down from young ages.
NEW: boltsmag.org/michigan-juv...
How Michigan Stopped Saddling Children with Millions in Court Debt
Last year, Michigan stopped imposing court fines and fees on kids, and relieved millions of dollars in past debt. Now, it may also ensure that kids get adequate representation in court.
boltsmag.org
January 3, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Results for America’s new strategy guide explores how #FinesAndFees reform can expand equity & economic mobility — & urges lawmakers to consider:
🔹 Waiving old court debt
🔹 Expunging minor offenses
🔹 Exploring alternative government funding sources
💡 tinyurl.com/3ba2kn5f
🔹 Waiving old court debt
🔹 Expunging minor offenses
🔹 Exploring alternative government funding sources
💡 tinyurl.com/3ba2kn5f
Government-levied fines and fees reform
Reform fine and fees levels and address racial and economic disparities: While the compounding financial penalties and consequences of fines and fees can…
tinyurl.com
September 12, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Results for America’s new strategy guide explores how #FinesAndFees reform can expand equity & economic mobility — & urges lawmakers to consider:
🔹 Waiving old court debt
🔹 Expunging minor offenses
🔹 Exploring alternative government funding sources
💡 tinyurl.com/3ba2kn5f
🔹 Waiving old court debt
🔹 Expunging minor offenses
🔹 Exploring alternative government funding sources
💡 tinyurl.com/3ba2kn5f
“We’re going to stop nickel & diming people," Gov. Stitt shared at the signing. Instead, Oklahoma, "will focus on accountability & rehabilitation — not on revenue collections.”
#HB1460 isn’t just a major win for Oklahomans, it’s proof of what real leadership on #FinesAndFees reform can achieve. 🧵
#HB1460 isn’t just a major win for Oklahomans, it’s proof of what real leadership on #FinesAndFees reform can achieve. 🧵
August 27, 2025 at 6:50 PM
“We’re going to stop nickel & diming people," Gov. Stitt shared at the signing. Instead, Oklahoma, "will focus on accountability & rehabilitation — not on revenue collections.”
#HB1460 isn’t just a major win for Oklahomans, it’s proof of what real leadership on #FinesAndFees reform can achieve. 🧵
#HB1460 isn’t just a major win for Oklahomans, it’s proof of what real leadership on #FinesAndFees reform can achieve. 🧵
Thanks to impacted advocates like Frank, #SB88 Sponsor Senator Scheible, and our partners @returnstrongnv.bsky.social, Mass Liberation Project NV, & @aclunv.bsky.social, thousands of Nevadans now have a chance to rebuild without the burden of #FinesAndFees.
💡@reviewjournal.com: tinyurl.com/ycxmh2h7
💡@reviewjournal.com: tinyurl.com/ycxmh2h7
After 18 years in prison, Las Vegas man helps cancel medical debt for formerly incarcerated
Frank Macias, who spent nearly 18 years in prison, helped push legislation that cancels the medical debt formerly incarcerated people owe.
tinyurl.com
August 11, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Thanks to impacted advocates like Frank, #SB88 Sponsor Senator Scheible, and our partners @returnstrongnv.bsky.social, Mass Liberation Project NV, & @aclunv.bsky.social, thousands of Nevadans now have a chance to rebuild without the burden of #FinesAndFees.
💡@reviewjournal.com: tinyurl.com/ycxmh2h7
💡@reviewjournal.com: tinyurl.com/ycxmh2h7