HF2787: Warrant Resolution Clinics

Bans 'warrant resolution clinics,' defined as programs or events—other than standard court proceedings—intended to allow people with outstanding arrest warrants to resolve those warrants without being taken into custody. It prohibits any entity or individual from organizing, funding, or participating in such clinics and bars the use of public funds or facilities for this purpose. The bill provides for criminal and civil penalties for violations, allows the attorney general and county residents to take enforcement action, and withholds court debt-originating funds from counties violating the ban. The act takes effect immediately upon enactment and preempts any local ordinances permitting such clinics.

Key Points & Impacts

• Defines 'warrant resolution clinic' as any event or program, outside standard court procedures, designed to allow individuals with outstanding warrants to resolve them without immediate arrest.

• Prohibits all persons, organizations, government officers, and agencies from organizing, sponsoring, funding, promoting, or participating in warrant resolution clinics or substantially similar programs.

• Limits resolution of outstanding warrants to three specific avenues: surrender to law enforcement, court appearance as directed, or written motion agreed to by prosecution and approved by the court under standard procedures.

• Strictly bans the use of public funds or facilities for any warrant resolution clinic.

• Establishes criminal (simple misdemeanor) and civil penalties (up to $10,000 per violation for private persons) for violations; public officials may also face removal from office.

• Allows the attorney general to investigate suspected violations, bring enforcement actions, and recover costs and attorney fees; any county resident may also seek injunctive or declaratory relief in court.

• Counties violating the ban are barred from receiving funds derived from court debt (such as fees and fines collections).

• Preempts and supersedes any local ordinance or policy that authorizes or permits warrant resolution clinics or similar arrangements, and prohibits local governments from enacting conflicting provisions.