(a) As part of the pilot program, the Judicial Council, through its delegates, shall develop an online tool for adjudicating infraction violations.

(b) A pilot court shall offer online adjudication of traffic infractions, including allowing a defendant to request an ability-to-pay determination and at least three of the following provisions:

(1) Agree to post and forfeit bail.

(2) Request to forfeit bail in installments pursuant to Section 40510.5.

(3) Request an online trial.

(4) Request a continuance.

(5) Request a date to appear in court.

(c) The online tool shall recommend a reduction of 50 percent or more of the total amount due, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 40283, for all defendants who are in receipt of CalFresh benefits as provided in Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 18900) of Part 6 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or who have established an inability to pay pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 40284. The court shall make express findings if it deviates from the online tool recommendation by ordering a defendant to pay an amount greater than the recommendation under this subdivision.

(d) The online tool shall recommend a payment of no more than twenty-five dollars ($25) per month for a defendant who is eligible for a reduction pursuant to subdivision (c) and requests an installment plan.

(e) The online tool shall provide information in Spanish, English, and any other languages the court chooses.

(f) As feasible, pilot courts shall notify defendants of the result of the ability-to-pay determination within 30 days.

(g) A pilot court shall not compel a defendant to use the online tool.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 497, Sec. 279. (AB 991) Effective January 1, 2020. Inoperative June 30, 2022 Repealed as of January 1, 2023, pursuant to Section 40288)