Arizona Eliminates Juvenile Court Fees, Providing Relief for Youth and Families

Arizona has become the latest state to eliminate juvenile court fees, joining a growing number of states that have taken this step in recent years. These fees, which can accumulate for services like court-appointed attorneys, probation, detention, and diversion programs, can burden young individuals and their families. The bill, signed by Governor Katie Hobbs, removes court-ordered juvenile fees and allows individuals with existing fees to apply for debt waivers. Juvenile courts will no longer consider outstanding fees when deciding whether to expunge juvenile records. While certain fines and victim restitution fees remain, the bill reduces the amount of community service that courts can order for juvenile DUI offenses. This reform is seen as a significant step towards helping young people thrive and providing relief to vulnerable families in Arizona.