SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes’ new initiative could help get lower income Chicago residents back on their feet in a small way—by creating a permanent program to waive the fines or fees from traffic violations they may have.

“People already struggling to make ends meet may be one small setback from losing everything,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This initiative will extend grace to Chicagoans with lower incomes, and ensure that one small mistake does not irrevocably change their livelihood.”

The Cook County traffic fee waiver program was established in 2021 and made fees, fines and costs due to traffic violations eligible for a waiver in Cook County for people suffering financially. Thanks to this program, judges in Cook County have evaluated applications to grant fee waivers under the program over the last three years. However, the program had a sunset date for 2024, which was recently extended until 2025, but as it is currently written, would need to be renewed annually to still be operational.

Cervantes’ initiative would remove the need for the program to be renewed. Instead, his legislation would establish it as a permanent option for Cook County residents, and ensure low-income residents will be met with compassion when facing an expensive traffic fee.

“To many of us, a traffic ticket is an inconvenience. For people who are currently out of work, paying off medical debt, or in other dire economic situations, a traffic ticket can be the last straw to put them out of a home,” said Cervantes. “This program has worked for three years, and has helped people in difficult financial circumstances move forward with their lives. I’m eager to pass this updated initiative so this program can continue for many more years to come.”

Senate Bill 108 passed the Criminal Law Committee on Tuesday. To track the process of this bill, click here.