LA – Supervision Fees Overdue
The state Department of Corrections needs to do a better job of collecting supervision fees owed by those on probation and parole, House budget panel Chairman Jim Fannin said Wednesday. As reported by the Advocate Capitol News Bureau.
Sixty-two percent of the $54 per month fees are going uncollected, and that is unacceptable, Fannin said. The fee is generating about $16 million annually, according to budget documents.
“We undoubtedly are not doing very well,” said Fannin, D-Jonesboro. Fannin told top corrections officials that he wants a plan to address the debt collection problem.
The request came as the House Appropriations Committee continued hearings on Gov. Bobby Jindal’s proposed $24.2 billion state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
Lawmakers are trying to cope with a $1 billion downturn in revenues to fund on-going operational expenses.
Office of Probation and Parole Deputy Director Gerald Starks said the agency encounters multiple problems in its collections efforts, including “people no longer around” and people back in jail.
“Those out on the street we basically hound them and try to get as much money as we can,” Starks said. “Many are not employed, a number are on SSI for mental illness and physical handicaps. But if you have money, we do everything we can to get them to pay it.”
Fannin said the nonpayment should be considered a debt to the state, just like the money owed by people who take out student loans to go to college. He offered to sponsor legislation that would move the probation and parole non-payments to tax debt status.
Corrections Undersecretary Thomas Bickham said the agency is already working with the Revenue Department to try to recoup money out of any tax refunds individuals may receive.
The agency is also looking into ways to make it easier for those who owe supervision fees to pay, such as contracting with Western Union for wire transfer of money, Bickham said. He said the agency is proposing legislation that would allow payment by credit card.
Bickham said another option being eyed is potentially hiring a collection agency. Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc said the agency will continue to work on improving collection of the supervision fees.
But he warned: “If you push them and push them, they go to commit crimes … Prison costs more than the fee they are not paying. That’s the balance we have to work.”
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