North Carolina 2025 Session Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 16 D · 1 I cosponsors

HB 722 — Enact Criminal Justice Debt Reform.

Last action — Passed 1st Reading

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced April 02, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the House.

Prognosis

Advancing 42% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

Low

How often bills like it became law.

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 17 sponsors

    3 primary, 14 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (16 D · 1 I) — cross-party backing.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

363 added · 361 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent amendments to House Bill 722 clarify the court's authority to waive certain fees associated with criminal cases. Specifically, it adds that a court can waive fees for defendants who demonstrate just cause, particularly for failing to appear in court. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that fees related to services from the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory—like DNA analysis—will be capped at $600 without any added costs for additional analyses. These changes are important as they aim to ensure that defendants are not unduly burdened by fees, making the legal process more accessible and equitable.

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA H.B.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 2025 H 1 HOUSE BILL 722 Short Title:
722 Apr 2, 2025 SESSION 2025 HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK H D HOUSE BILL DRH10267-NDf-107 Short Title:
Representative Alston.
Representatives Alston, Buansi, Brockman, and Charles Smith (Primary Sponsors).
For a complete list of sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly web site.
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO PROMOTE CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEBT REFORM.
Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House April 3, 2025 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO PROMOTE CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEBT REFORM.
Only upon entry of a written order, supported by findings of fact and conclusions of law, determining that thereis just cause, the courtmay(i)waivecosts assessedunderthis section or(ii)waiveorreduce costs assessed under subdivision (7), (8), (8a), (11), (12), or (13) of this section.
Only upon entry of a written order, supported by findings of fact and conclusions of law, determining that thereis just cause, the courtmay(i)waivecosts assessedunderthis sectionor(ii)waiveorreduce costs assessed under subdivision (7), (8), (8a), (11), (12), or (13) of this section.
7A-146, and the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) is payable by a defendant who fails to pay a fine, penalty, or costs within 40days of the date specified in the court's judgment.
7A-146, and the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) is payable bya defendant who fails to paya fine, penalty, or costs within 40days of the date specified in the court's judgment.
The fee for failure to appear shall only be collected once in a criminal case.
The fee for failure to appear shall onlybe collected once in a criminal case.
Upon a showing to the court that the defendant failedto appearbecauseofanerrororomissionofajudicialofficial, a prosecutor, or a law-enforcement officer, the court shall waive the fee for failure to appear.
Upon a showing to the court that the defendant failedto appearbecauseofanerrororomissionofajudicialofficial, *H722-v-1* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 a prosecutor, or a law-enforcement officer, the court shall waive the fee for failure to appear.
*DRH10267-NDf-107* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (7) For the services of the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory facilities, the district or superior court judge shall, upon conviction, order payment of the costs actually incurred for the services, not to exceed the sum of six hundred dollars ($600.00) ($600.00), to be remitted to the Department of Justice for support of the Laboratory.
(7) For the services of the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory facilities, the district or superior court judge shall, upon conviction, order payment of the costs actually incurred for the services, not to exceed the sum of six hundred dollars ($600.00) ($600.00), to be remitted to the Department of Justice for support of the Laboratory.
(8) For the services of any crime laboratory facility, the district or superior court judge shall, upon conviction, order payment of the costs actually incurred for theservices, not to exceedthe sum ofsix hundred dollars ($600.00)($600.00), to be remitted to the general fund of the local governmental unit that operates the laboratory or paid for the laboratory services.
(8) For the services of any crime laboratory facility, the district or superior court judge shall, upon conviction, order payment of the costs actually incurred for theservices, not to exceedthe sum ofsix hundreddollars ($600.00)($600.00), to be remitted to the general fund of the local governmental unit that operates the laboratory or paid for the laboratory services.
(8a) For the services of any private hospital performing toxicological testing under contract with a prosecutorial district, the district or superior court judge shall, upon conviction, order payment of the costs actually incurred for the services, not to exceed the sum of six hundred dollars ($600.00) ($600.00), to be remitted to the State Treasurer for the support of the General Court of Justice.
(8a) For the services of anyprivate hospital performing toxicological testing under contract with a prosecutorial district, the district or superior court judge shall, upon conviction, order payment of the costs actually incurred for the services, not to exceed the sum of six hundred dollars ($600.00) ($600.00), to be remitted to the State Treasurer for the support of the General Court of Justice.
(9b) For the services of any crime laboratory facility, the district or superior court judge shall, upon conviction, order payment of the costs actually incurred for theservices, not to exceedthe sum ofsix hundred dollars ($600.00)($600.00), to be remitted to the general fund of the local law enforcement unit that operates the laboratory or paid for the laboratory services.
(9b) For the services of any crime laboratory facility, the district or superior court judge shall, upon conviction, order payment of the costs actually incurred for theservices, not to exceedthe sum ofsix hundreddollars ($600.00)($600.00), to be remitted to the general fund of the local law enforcement unit that Page 2 House Bill 722-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 operates the laboratory or paid for the laboratory services.
The cost shall be assessed only in (i) cases in Page 2 DRH10267-NDf-107 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 which, as part of the investigation leading to the defendant's conviction, the laboratory has performed digital forensics, including the seizure, forensic imaging, and acquisition and analysis of digital media, and (ii) if the court finds that the work performed at the laboratory is the equivalent of the same kind of work performed by the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory under subdivision (9a) of this subsection.
The cost shall be assessed only in (i) cases in which, as part of the investigation leading to the defendant's conviction, the laboratory has performed digital forensics, including the seizure, forensic imaging, and acquisition and analysis of digital media, and (ii) if the court finds that the work performed at the laboratory is the equivalent of the same kind of work performed by the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory under subdivision (9a) of this subsection.
8-58.20, or a digital forensics analysis and provides testimony about that analysis in a defendant's trial, the district or superior court judge shall, upon conviction of the defendant, order payment of the costs actually incurred for the services, not to exceed the sum of six hundred dollars ($600.00) ($600.00), to be remitted to the Department of Justice for support of the State Crime Laboratory.
8-58.20, or a digital forensics analysis and provides testimony about that analysis in a defendant's trial, the district or superior court judge shall, upon conviction of the defendant, order payment of the costs actuallyincurred for the services, not to exceed the sum of six hundred dollars ($600.00) ($600.00), to be remitted to the Department of Justice for support of the State Crime Laboratory.
This cost shall be assessed only in cases in which the expert witness provides testimony about the chemical or forensic analysis in the defendant's trial and shall be in addition to any cost assessed under subdivision (7) or (9a) of this subsection.
This cost shall be assessed onlyin cases in which the expert witness provides testimony about the chemical or forensic analysis in the defendant's trial and shall be in addition to any cost assessed under subdivision (7) or (9a) of this subsection.
8-58.20, or a digital forensics analysis and provides testimonyaboutthatanalysisinadefendant'strial,thedistrictorsuperiorcourt judge shall, upon conviction of the defendant, order payment of the costs actually incurred for the services, not to exceed the sum of six hundred dollars ($600.00) ($600.00), to be remitted to the general fund of the local governmental unit that operates the laboratory or paid for the laboratory services.
8-58.20, or a digital forensics analysis and provides testimonyaboutthatanalysisinadefendant'strial, thedistrictorsuperiorcourt judge shall, upon conviction of the defendant, order payment of the costs actuallyincurred for the services, not to exceed the sum of six hundred dollars ($600.00) ($600.00), to be remitted to the general fund of the local governmental unit that operates the laboratory or paid for the laboratory services.
20-139.1 and provides testimonyaboutthatanalysisinadefendant'strial,thedistrictorsuperiorcourt judge shall, upon conviction of the defendant, order payment of the costs actually incurred for the services, not to exceed the sum of six hundred dollars ($600.00) ($600.00), to be remitted to the State Treasurer for the support of the General Court of Justice.
20-139.1 and provides testimonyaboutthatanalysisinadefendant'strial, thedistrictorsuperiorcourt judge shall, upon conviction of the defendant, order payment of the costs actuallyincurred for the services, not to exceed the sum of six hundred dollars ($600.00) ($600.00), to be remitted to the State Treasurer for the support of the General Court of Justice.
This cost shall be assessed only in cases in which the expert witness provides testimony about the chemical analysis in the defendant's trial andshall bein additiontoanycost assessedundersubdivision (8a) of this subsection.
This cost shall be assessed onlyin cases in which the expert witness provides testimony about the chemical analysis in the defendant's trial andshall bein additiontoanycost assessedundersubdivision (8a) of this subsection.
Defendants making use of an installment plan shall pay a onetime setup feeoftwentydollars($20.00)tocovertheadditionalcoststothecourtofreceivinganddisbursing installmentpayments.FeescollectedunderthissubsectionshallberemittedtotheStateTreasurer for support of the General Court of Justice.When making that determination, the court shall consider at a minimum the following factors:
Defendants making use of an installment plan shall pay a onetime setup feeoftwentydollars($20.00)tocovertheadditionalcoststothecourtofreceivinganddisbursing installmentpayments.
(1) The defendant's monthly income in relation to the relevant federal poverty guidelines for the defendant's household size.
FeescollectedunderthissubsectionshallberemittedtotheStateTreasurer for support of the General Court of Justice.When making that determination, the court shall consider at a minimum the following factors:
DRH10267-NDf-107 Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (2) Whether the defendant receives public assistance, including, but not limited to, food assistance, Medicaid, Social Security Insurance, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
House Bill 722-First Edition Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (1) The defendant's monthly income in relation to the relevant federal poverty guidelines for the defendant's household size.
(3) The defendant's living arrangements and ability to afford or otherwise procure housing.
(2) Whether the defendant receives public assistance, including, but not limited to, food assistance, Medicaid, Social Security Insurance, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
(3) The defendant's living arrangements and abilityto afford or otherwise procure housing.
(5) Any limits on the defendant's ability to secure employment, including, but not limited to, lack of access to transportation, limitations upon the defendant's driving privileges, availability of child care for dependents, and any other relevant factors.
(5) Anylimits on the defendant's abilityto secure employment, including, but not limited to, lack of access to transportation, limitations upon the defendant's driving privileges, availability of child care for dependents, and any other relevant factors.
– When a defendant who has been required to pay a fine or costs or both defaults in payment or in any installment, the court, upon the motion of the prosecutor or upon its own motion, may require the defendant to appear and show cause why he should not be imprisoned or may rely upon a conditional show cause order entered under G.S.
– When a defendant who has been required to paya fine or costs or both defaults in payment or in any installment, the court, upon the motion of the prosecutor or upon its own motion, may require the defendant to appear and show cause why he should not be imprisoned or may rely upon a conditional show cause order entered under G.S.
(3) The defendant's living arrangements and ability to afford or otherwise procure housing.
(3) The defendant's living arrangements and abilityto afford or otherwise procure housing.
(5) Any limits on the defendant's ability to secure employment, including, but not limited to, lack of access to transportation, limitations upon the defendant's driving privileges, availability of child care for dependents, and any other relevant factors.
(5) Anylimits on the defendant's abilityto secure employment, including, but not limited to, lack of access to transportation, limitations upon the defendant's driving privileges, availability of child care for dependents, and any other relevant factors.
The clerk may not issue an execution, however, if the fine or costs were imposed for an offense other than trafficking in controlled substances or conspiring to traffic in controlled substances under G.S.
The clerk may not issue an execution, however, if the fine or costs were imposed for Page 4 House Bill 722-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 an offense other than trafficking in controlled substances or conspiring to traffic in controlled substances under G.S.
90-95(h) and (i), respectively, and the defendant elects to serve the Page 4 DRH10267-NDf-107 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 suspended sentence, if any, or serve a term of 30 days, if no suspended sentence was imposed.is serving an active sentence." 4 PART III.
90-95(h) and (i), respectively, and the defendant elects to serve the suspended sentence, if any, or serve a term of 30 days, if no suspended sentence was imposed.is serving an active sentence." 6 PART III.
Prohibitionon revocation issued solely forfailuretoappear orpay fine, penalty, or costs.
Prohibitionon revocation issued solely forfailuretoappearorpay fine,penalty, or costs.
20-24.1, the person seeking to have his driver's license restored shall submit to the Division proof that he has notified his insurance agent or company of his seeking the restoration and that he is financially responsible.
20-24.1, the person seeking to have his driver's license restored shall submit to the Division proof that he has notified his insurance agent or companyof his seeking the restoration and that he is financiallyresponsible.
… The preceding provisions of this subsection do not apply to applicants who do not own currently registered motor vehicles and who do not operate nonfleet private passenger motor vehicles that areowned by otherpersonsandthatarenot insured undercommercialmotorvehicle liability insurance policies.
… The preceding provisions of this subsection do not apply to applicants who do not own currently registered motor vehicles and who do not operate nonfleet private passenger motor vehicles that areowned byotherpersonsandthatarenot insuredundercommercial motorvehicle liability insurance policies.
"(k) Before the Division restores a driver's license that has been suspended or revoked under G.S.
House Bill 722-First Edition Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 "(k) Before the Division restores a driver's license that has been suspended or revoked under G.S.
20-24.1, the person seeking to have the person's driver's license restored shall submit to the Division proof DRH10267-NDf-107 Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 that the person has notified the person's insurance agent or company that the person is seeking the restoration and that the person is financially responsible.
20-24.1, the person seeking to have the person's driver's license restored shall submit to the Division proof that the person has notified the person's insurance agent or company that the person is seeking the restoration and that the person is financially responsible.
… Subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection do not apply to applicants who do not own currently registered motor vehicles and who do not operate nonfleet private passenger motor vehicles that areowned by otherpersonsandthatarenot insured undercommercialmotorvehicle liability insurance policies.
… Subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection do not apply to applicants who do not own currently registered motor vehicles and who do not operate nonfleet private passenger motor vehicles that areowned byotherpersonsandthatarenot insuredundercommercial motorvehicle liability insurance policies.
Nothing in this subsection precludes any person from showing proof of financial responsibility in any other manner authorized by Articles 9A and 13 of this Chapter." SECTION 3.(g) G.S.
Nothing in this subsection precludes any person from showing proof of financial responsibilityin anyother manner authorized byArticles 9A and 13 of this Chapter." SECTION 3.(g) G.S.
"(a) Upon receipt of notice of conviction of any person of a motor vehicle moving offense, such offense having been committed while such person's driving privilege was in a state of suspension or revocation, the Division shall revoke such person's driving privilege for an additional period of time as set forth in subsection (b) hereof.
"(a) Upon receipt of notice of conviction of anyperson of a motor vehicle moving offense, such offense having been committed while such person's driving privilege was in a state of suspension or revocation, the Division shall revoke such person's driving privilege for an additional period of time as set forth in subsection (b) hereof.
The clerk of superior court in the county in which the case was disposed shall notify the Division of any person who fails to pay a fine or costs imposed pursuant to this section within 40 days of the date specified in the court's judgment, as required by G.S.
The clerk of superior court in the county in which the case was disposed shall notifythe Division of anyperson who fails to paya fine or costs imposed pursuant to this section within 40 days of the date specified in the court's judgment, as required by G.S.
The provisions of this subsection shall be in addition to any other actions the Division may take to enforce the payment of any fine imposed pursuant to this section." SECTION 3.(i) G.S.
The provisions of this subsection shall be in addition to any other actions the Division may take to enforce the payment of any fine imposed pursuant to this section." Page 6 House Bill 722-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 3.(i) G.S.
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"(e) An obligor or other person whose licensing privileges are reinstated under this section may provide a copy of the certification set forth in either subsection (c) or (d) to each licensing Page 6 DRH10267-NDf-107 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 agency to which the obligor or other person applies for reinstatement of licensing privileges.
"(e) An obligor or other person whose licensing privileges are reinstated under this section may provide a copy of the certification set forth in either subsection (c) or (d) to each licensing agency to which the obligor or other person applies for reinstatement of licensing privileges.
Subsections (i) and (j) of this section become effectiveOctober1, 2025, and apply to licensereinstatements onorafterthat date.
Subsections (i) and (j) of this section become effectiveOctober1, 2025, and applyto licensereinstatements on orafterthat date.Theremainder of this section is effective when it becomes law.
Theremainder of this section is effective when it becomes law.
"(e) Any driver or front seat passenger who fails to wear a seat belt as required by this section shall have committed an infraction and shall pay a penalty of twenty-five dollars and fifty cents ($25.50) plus the following court costs:($25.50).
House Bill 722-First Edition Page 7 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 "(e) Any driver or front seat passenger who fails to wear a seat belt as required by this section shall have committed an infraction and shall paya penaltyof twenty-five dollars and fifty cents ($25.50) plus the following court costs:($25.50).
DRH10267-NDf-107 Page 7 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (3) One dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) to be remitted to the county wherein the infraction was issued, except in those cases in which the infraction was issued by alaw enforcementofficer employedby a municipality, thefeeshall be paid to the municipality employing the officer.
(3) One dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) to be remitted to the county wherein the infraction was issued, except in those cases in which the infraction was issued byalaw enforcementofficer employedbya municipality,the feeshall be paid to the municipality employing the officer.
Conviction of an infraction under this section has no other consequence." SECTION 5.(b) ThissectionbecomeseffectiveOctober1, 2025, and applies to costs and fees assessed on or after that date.
Conviction of an infraction under this section has no other consequence." SECTION5.(b) ThissectionbecomeseffectiveOctober1, 2025, and applies to costs and fees assessed on or after that date.
– Any person placed on supervised probation pursuant to subsection (a)ofthis section shall pay asupervision feeoffortydollars($40.00)permonth, unlessexempted by the court.
– Anyperson placed on supervised probation pursuant to subsection (a)ofthis section shall payasupervision feeoffortydollars($40.00)permonth, unlessexempted by the court.
Page 8 DRH10267-NDf-107
Page 8 House Bill 722-First Edition
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How this bill changes current law

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Compared against the N.C. General Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill modifies the assessment and collection of court costs and fees, establishes criteria for waiving costs based on the defendant's ability to pay, and repeals certain sections related to criminal justice debt management.

  • N.C.G.S. § 7A-304

    the following costs shall be assessed and collected. → the court shall determine the defendant's ability to pay any costs assessed and shall then, weighing that determination, assess and collect the following costs.

    The bill requires that the court assess a defendant's ability to pay before collecting costs.

  • N.C.G.S. § 7A-304

    two one hundred dollars ($200.00) → one hundred dollars ($100.00)

    The fee for failure to appear has been reduced from $200 to $100.

  • N.C.G.S. § 7A-304

    The fee for failure to appear shall onlybe collected once in a criminal case.

    Repeal of the provision limiting the collection of failure to appear fees to once per case.

  • N.C.G.S. § 7A-304

    the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) is payable bya defendant who fails to paya fine, penalty, or costs within 40days of the date specified in the court's judgment. → The sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) is payable by a defendant who fails to pay a fine, penalty, or costs within 40 days of the date specified in the court's judgment.

    Clarified language regarding fines for failure to pay within the specified timeframe.

  • N.C.G.S. § 7A-304

    These fees shall be remitted to the State Treasurer.

    Retains requirement that certain fees be remitted to the State Treasurer.

  • N.C.G.S. § 7A-304

    Defendants making use of an installment plan shall pay a one-time setup fee of twenty dollars ($20.00) to cover the additional costs to the court of receiving and disbursing installment payments.

    Introduces a setup fee for defendants opting for an installment payment plan for costs.

  • N.C.G.S. § 7A-304

    When making that determination, the court shall consider at a minimum the following factors: (1) The defendant's monthly income in relation to the relevant federal poverty guidelines for the defendant's household size, ...

    Requires the court to consider the defendant's financial circumstances when assessing payments.

  • N.C.G.S. § 15A-1364(a)

    When a defendant is sentenced to an active term of imprisonment, any fines or costs imposed shall not result in the defendant being imprisoned for nonpayment.

    Clarifies that active imprisonment cannot be imposed for failing to pay fines or costs.

Action History

  1. Passed 1st Reading

  2. Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

  3. Filed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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3 sponsors · 14 co-sponsors · 162 not signed on

Sponsors (3)

Co-sponsors (14)

Not signed on (162)

162 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety civil-rights labor
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 722?
HB 722 is sponsored by Phil Rubin (Democratic), Rodney D. Pierce (Democratic), Garland E. Pierce (Democratic), Marcia Morey (Democratic), Nasif Majeed (U), Monika Johnson-Hostler (Democratic), Zack Hawkins (Democratic), Pricey Harrison (Democratic), Julia Greenfield (Democratic), Maria Cervania (Democratic), Deb Butler (Democratic), Amber M. Baker (Democratic), Allen Buansi (Democratic), Vernetta Alston (Democratic), Cecil Brockman (Democratic), Charles Smith (Democratic), and Julie von Haefen (Democratic).
What is the current status of HB 722?
This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced April 02, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track HB 722?
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