An act relating to converting civil fines to community service

This bill allows defendants who cannot pay civil fines to convert those fines into community service hours. It applies to non-incarcerated individuals who have made a good faith effort to pay but remain unable to do so. The court can approve the conversion if the defendant proves financial hardship, and the community service would be performed in the county where the offense occurred. Hours worked would be credited against fines at the Vermont minimum wage rate, while court costs and other fees would remain unchanged. The law also clarifies existing procedures for late fees, license suspensions, and payment plans for traffic violations.