SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Scott Bennett clarifying Illinois’ complex court fee system cleared the Senate State Government Committee Wednesday.

The proposal, Senate Bill 2557, specifies funds collected by county clerks from fees, assessments and fines are to be transferred to the State Treasurer to be deposited into the appropriate fund.

“The purpose of this legislation is to ensure court fines and fees are streamlined so that it’s easier for the clerks to administer,” Senator Bennett (D-Champaign) said. “This bill creates a more coherent system that will increase efficiency.”

According to the Illinois State Police (ISP), a proponent of the legislation, some County Clerks across the state have been sending funds from court fines and fees directly to ISP instead of the State Treasurer to be deposited into the proper ISP fund. This requires ISP to remit these funds to the State Treasurer to be deposited in the appropriate fund instead of County Clerks sending directly to ISP.

If this measure continues forward, it would also extend the sunset date of the fines and fees reforms made under PA 100-987 to Jan. 1, 2021 to Jan. 1, 2025.

Bennett’s proposal passed the committee 8-0 and heads to the Senate Floor.