Ability to Pay Implementation Starter Kit

What is Ability to Pay Reform?

Government-levied fines and fees are intended to deter certain behaviors and generate revenue. However, many fines and fees are ineffective and disproportionately impact low-income, incarcerated, or otherwise disadvantaged individuals, creating obstacles to upward mobility.

State and local leaders are increasingly recognizing the outsized burden of fines and fees on individuals with low incomes. To address this, leaders can implement Ability to Pay (ATP) policies, which set the amount individuals pay based on their income and/or eligibility for public benefits. ATP reform not only reduces the economic burden of fines and fees on lower-income individuals but also increases the likelihood that jurisdictions receive payment. For more information on ATP, see the Economic Mobility Catalog’s Government-levied fines and fees reform strategy guide.

What is this toolkit, and who is it for?

This toolkit includes a collection of foundational, “must-have” resources to get started with ATP reform. It is designed for court stakeholders and advocates for fines and fees reform interested in implementing ability-to-pay assessments, payment plans, and/or community service as alternatives to fines and fees. It is relevant for all courts that assess fines and fees for ordinance, traffic, or criminal violations, including but not limited to: municipal courts, administrative courts, trial courts, and specialty courts.

Why was this toolkit developed?

Results for America (RFA) and the Fines and Fees Justice Center (FFJC) developed this set of resources as part of a seven-week Solution Sprint, a rapid learning series to help jurisdictions across the country design and implement ability-to-pay assessments. Each Solutions Sprint offers an opportunity to connect with peers and partners across sectors, gain insights from expert facilitators and case studies, and leave equipped with the tools and strategies to drive impact in your jurisdiction. Find more information about Solution Sprints, including a calendar of events, on RFA’s website.

Where can I find more information? 

The full Solution Sprint action plan template on RFA’s Ability to Pay Implementation Support Page includes additional resources for comprehensive ATP implementation and evaluation. Contact [email protected] with any questions or for additional support.