Delaware has emerged as a leader on fines and fees reform, but just a few years ago, the state ranked among the lowest in addressing these financial burdens. Thanks to the sustained efforts of advocates, policymakers, and organizations like FFJC, Delaware has made remarkable strides.

In August, Delaware Governor John Carney signed SB282, SB283, and SB284 into law, marking another major step forward in the national campaign to End Justice Fees. Together these bills eliminated several fees imposed on people moving through the criminal legal system — the Substance Abuse, Rehabilitation, Treatment, Education and Prevention (“SARTEP”) Fund Fee, the Interstate Compact Fee, and the DELJIS Fund Fee — and funds the same services through the General Fund. Additionally, old debts were eliminated from Public Defender Fees and Probation Supervision Fees which were fees that were eliminated in 2022. Read more about the eliminated fees and their impact here.

In a recent panel discussion, hosted by The Campaign to End Debtors’ Prison, Friendship House, Delaware Center for Justice, Network Delaware, the League of Women Voters of Delaware, YWCA Delaware, and Tide Shift Justice Project, advocates, people impacted by fines and fees, and policymakers reflected on Delaware’s impressive progress in alleviating the financial burdens of criminal legal system fines and fees – and exploring what work remains.

Watch the full panel discussion below to hear from key reform advocates and policymakers including Attorney General Kathy Jennings, Priya Sarathy Jones (Fines and Fees Justice Center), Rebecka Ash (Delaware advocate), Meryem Dede (Campaign to End Debtors’ Prison) and panel moderator: U.S. Representative Sarah McBride.