Kansas Appleseed and Juvenile Law Center Release Report on Wasteful Juvenile Fees and Fines Policy

The advocacy organizations point to the dire need to change the ineffective, costly practice of assessing fees and fines to youth in the justice system

Topeka, KS (February 10, 2025) – Today, Kansas Appleseed and Juvenile Law Center, advocacy organizations working for children in the justice and child welfare systems, released an analysis of Kansas’ juvenile fee and fine collection statewide. The organizations found that the collection yields little money to counties but takes up tremendous resources and causes harm to children and families. Additionally, the report found counties are leaving funds on the table that could be used for the same purposes. A fact sheet with a quick breakdown of key data can be found here.

“Harmful fees and fines push children further into poverty and into the system,” said Alisa Hoban, Dean F. Johnson Fellow at Juvenile Law Center. “That’s why state after state is dropping this failed practice.”

In recent years, both Republican and Democratic led states have eliminated these inefficient fees. State policy change on this issue can be seen here. New legislation is being introduced this week, HB 2179 and SB 111, giving Kansas lawmakers the chance to act in support of more efficient policies for young people.

“As we move into the new legislative session, it is imperative that Kansas lawmakers take a look at the policies that not only harm families and communities, but also are costly and inefficient,” said Mike Fonkert, Deputy Director at Kansas Appleseed. “Other states such as Arizona, Louisiana, Texas and Michigan have made moves to end this wasteful practice – it is time for Kansas to join them and pass sensible legislation to end juvenile fees and fines.”

Kansas Appleseed and Juvenile Law Center staff are available for questions or comment.