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Committee advances bill removing $10 cap on hands‑free court costs
Summary
The House Transportation Subcommittee advanced HB 1555 to the full Transportation Committee after debate over whether removing a $10 cap on court costs for hands‑free violations would improve deterrence. Sponsor said regular court costs and litigation taxes would apply if passed.
Chairman Slater explained HB 1555 would remove the statutory $10 cap on court costs for the class‑C offense of holding a device while driving and allow regular state and local litigation taxes to apply. "HB 1555 removes the $10 cap and subjects defendants to state and local litigation taxes," he said, arguing the change would strengthen deterrence and enforcement.
Members questioned how the change would compare to DUI court costs and cautioned about unintended fiscal consequences. Representative McAlmon noted last year the Tennessee Highway Patrol issued 5,842 DUIs, calling the hands‑free citation totals cited by the sponsor a key comparison point. Representative Howell urged the sponsor to consider an amendment that would limit court costs so they do not exceed the underlying fine. The committee voted 8‑1 to send HB 1555 to the full Transportation Committee with the sponsor agreeing to draft clarifying language.
