Reforming fines and fees in U.S. Parole Supervision (2010-2024)

• In Event: Contemporary Review of Parole: What's the Latest?

Abstract

Researchers and policy makers have increasingly recognized the financial burdens imposed on individuals under parole supervision. In response, several reforms have sought to reduce or eliminate fines and fees altogether. Despite these efforts however, the extent to which all U.S. states have adopted such reforms remains unclear. To examine whether states have made any reforms to their fines and fees as they relate to parole supervision, we employ a qualitative content analysis approach to systematically examine state-by-state level reforms across all U.S. states and Washington, D.C., from 2010 to 2024. Doing so, we document the extent and nature of these reforms and assess their implications for the criminal legal system and reentry policy. The findings from this analysis provide insight into the patterns, motivations, and impacts of recent changes made within fines and fees as they relate to parole supervision.

Authors

• Avril Diaz, Georgia Southern University

• Sarah Batenko, Georgia Southern University

• Leanne Confer, Georgia Southern University

• Dragana Derlic, Georgia Southern University