Options discussed included state mandate and provision of assistance to essentially local programs. Funding alternatives were suggested including state funding on a revolving loan schedule and grants. Concerns are jurisdictions without the resources to provide the services Spokane's program has available. Centralized Payment - This suggestion is essentially a proposal that there be one entity that can accept payments for court imposed financial obligations. The idea being to get courts out of collections.
Courts only become involved when there is a request for due process.
The workgroup also discussed the concept as it might be applied to other types of cases. Concerns identified included local governments receiving their share of revenues, prioritization of collection, consequences for not paying, and effect on court contracts with collection agencies. DOL has been suggested as the agency to take on this responsibility. The committee felt DOL should be represented on the committee if this discussion is to continue. The program was scrapped when it appeared money to carry it out would not be available.