HB627:

Violation of ordinances; schedule of civil penalties.

Bill Summary:

Violation of ordinances; schedule of civil penalties. Allows localities to create schedules of fines and penalties for violations of designated ordinances. The bill establishes limits on fine amounts and frequency, as well as guidance on separate offenses. The bill precludes prosecution as a criminal misdemeanor for aggregate penalties of all offenses from the same operative set of facts totaling less than $5,000. The bill allows prosecution as a criminal misdemeanor for violations arising from the same operative set of facts for penalties totaling $5,000 or more. The bill provides for civil summons, waiver of trial, admitting liability, and payment of the penalty. The bill provides trial procedure and abatement of the offense and it creates liens for unpaid penalties and enforcement guidelines for such liens.