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Committee approves removing $10 cap on court costs for holding phone while driving
Summary
House Bill 15-55 would remove the $10 cap on court costs tied to holding an electronic device while driving and subject violators to 50% of normal moving-violation litigation taxes; the committee voted to advance the measure.
Chairman Slater described House Bill 15-55 as a change to current law that removes a $10 cap on court costs for holding an electronic device while driving and subjects offenders to 50% of normal state/local litigation taxes for moving violations. Under the bill, fines would remain subject to constitutional caps, but court costs would vary by jurisdiction and could raise total payments into the range of $35–$70 depending on local practices.
Representative Shaw and other members asked clarifying questions about whether individuals would pay more or less under the new scheme. Chairman Slater explained the practical effect: the fine would be within the constitutional cap (e.g., $50 in many jurisdictions) while court costs would be recalculated at 50% of normal moving violations. After discussion and questions, the committee moved the bill forward on a recorded vote (15 ayes, 8 noes, 1 not voting).
The bill now advances to calendar and rules; the record includes member concerns about cost increases for some defendants, but no fiscal note or additional amendments were recorded in committee.
