AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Transportation Committee voted Wednesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Ambureen Rana, D-Bangor, that would minimize fees in cases of traffic infractions for those experiencing excessive financial hardship.
LD 556 reduces traffic fees for all court-ordered suspensions to a one-time payment of $50, which would eliminate the stacking of fees once an initial payment is missed.
"The cycle of being trapped by snowballing fees associated with traffic incidents is all too common for our community members who are struggling financially," said Rana. "Placing a cap on fees for court-ordered suspensions will help those who are already in dire financial straits get back on their feet more quickly."
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Rana is serving her first term in the Maine House and represents House District 21, which is home to many of Bangor's service providers, tent cities, homeless shelters and warming shelters. She serves on the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Taxation and the Joint Select Committee on Housing.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Rana], 305-965-2744