A spokesman for the Iowa Department of Revenue says some two-million dollars in overdue court fines and fees were paid before the amnesty program deadline Tuesday. Roger Stirler, says people were given the opportunity to pay half of what they owed, and the remaining balance is forgiven.
They had nearly 13,000 people who sent payments in and they had originally sent letters out to about 246-thousand people. Stirler says it was the first time for an amnesty program involving money due the courts. Stirler says it fell right in with other amnesty programs they’ve conducted, with a one to two percent response rate.
The state had about $300-million worth of overdue court fines and fees dating back to December 1, 2006 and before. Stirler isn’t sure what happens with those who didn’t pay. Stirler says he doesn’t know if that step has been determined yet, he says they have tried to collect new address information on people and if they do get ahold of people, they will be responsible for paying the full amount. The program lasted for three months.