Amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," by providing for standards for actions to collect bail forfeitures, under certain terms and conditions.

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:

SECTION 1. Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code is amended to read as follows:

TITLE 19. FINANCE, TAXES AND COLLECTIONS.

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CHAPTER 19-500. TAXES AND RENTS - GENERAL.

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§ 19-511. Collection of Bail Forfeitures.

(1) The Law Department shall take no action to collect forfeited bail if the action will impose severe financial hardship on the defendant or surety, including but not limited to forfeiture of the defendant's or surety 's primary residence. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Law Department may take such action if the Law Department determines that the defendant or surety is unwilling to enter into a reasonable payment schedule or the nature of the underlying offense for which bail was forfeited justifies the action. Nothing herein is intended to preclude the Law Department from placing liens on the defendant's or surety's property in the amount of the forfeiture or filing appropriate reports of delinquencies to credit reporting agencies.

§ [19-511]

19-512

. Construction. * * *

§ [19-512]

19-513

. Administration and Enforcement. * * *

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Explanation:

[Brackets] indicate matter deleted.

Italics

indicate new matter added.

End