Fine deductions from bonds clear first round

A bill that would authorize the deduction of fines or costs from a defendant’s bond advanced from general file March 22.

Under LB722, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Colby Coash, courts would be allowed to deduct fines or costs owed by an offender from his or her cash bond as an alternative to ordering a lump sum payment of court costs.

Coash said the bill would provide a mechanism to withhold portions of a bond to recover court costs and would provide additional revenue for courts.

A Judiciary Committee amendment, adopted 29-0, clarified that the provision would apply to all bonds except those encumbered by a valid lien, levy, execution or assignment to counsel of record or the person who posted the bond.

The bill advanced to select file on a 35-0 vote.