BOSTON (AP) - Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker wants to let criminal defendants who fail to pay fines or fees perform community service instead of going to jail.
The Republican is pushing a bill to allow the community service option. Baker says that will help create a fairer system where punishments fit better with crimes.
Under current law, defendants who fail to pay fines, fees and assessments can be incarcerated until the debt is satisfied, at a rate of $30 a day.
The bill filed Tuesday will help defendants avoid jail by agreeing to community service.
If a person still ends up behind bars for failing to pay, the bill triples the daily rate from $30 to $90, reducing the amount of time the individual would need to spend incarcerated to clear the debt.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.