COM 1432.002 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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.IUSTIFICA'l'ION SHEET PROPOSER: I-Iawaii State Association of Counties TI"fL,E: RELATII~TG TO TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS PURPOSE: `fo require the State to transfer a portion of the fines and forfeitures collected for uncontested traffic infractions to the county in which the violations occuned. MEANS: Create a new chapter, "Transmittal of Uncontested "Traffic Fines and Forfeitures to Counties," and amend section 2910-171(x), Hawaii Revised Statutes. JUSTIFICATION: While the counties are responsible For enforcement, revenues accruing from violations of the Statewide Traffic Code are paid solely to the State. Traffic citations are issued by police officers whose costs, including salaries, equipment, and administrative support, are funded by the counties. Allowing each county to receive the fines and forfeitures generated as a result of county enforcement of traffic laws is fair and will provide the counties amuch-needed modicum of financial relief fram the State. The measure specifically excludes those fines and forfeitures accruing from State-enforced violations, which do not involve the expenditure of County resources. When traffic violations remain uncontested, there is no need to resort to the State courts. The burden on State-funded personnel and resources is, therefore, minimized. The bill seeks solely to have thvse fines and forfeitures paid by offenders without contest transferred to the county in which the infraction occurred.. Authorizing the counties to collect such fines and forfeitures would provide the counties with a dedicated revenue source and diversify the counties' revenue bases. As a result, the measure would help to stabilize the counties' budgets and promote the viability of the counties' public services, including the provision of trai'fic-safety improvements.