The Judiciary, State of Hawaii has contracted with Municipal Services Bureau (MSB) for the collection of delinquent accounts owed to the Judiciary. The purpose of the contract is to maximize the Judiciary?s recovery rate through expanded collection programs in order to improve the Judiciary?s image, preserve integrity and advance the administration of justice. The initial contract shall be for a term of five years with an option for two additional twelve-month periods.
In a 1988 report to the Governor and Legislature regarding an audit of the collection of fines, forfeitures, and restitutions owed to the Judiciary, the Legislative Auditor cited the importance of strengthening the Judiciary?s collections efforts. The report further suggested that enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Judiciary?s collection efforts would likely raise the credibility of the court and increase state revenues.
Earlier this year the Governor signed into law Act 77 of the 2004 Hawaii Session Laws authorizing the Judiciary to contract with a collection agency bonded under Chapter 443B, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to collect delinquent court-ordered penalties, fines, restitution, sanctions, and court costs, including restitutions and juvenile monetary assessments.
Municipal Services Bureau was founded in 1991 specifically to provide collection services to city, county and state governments. Specializing in the collection of delinquent court fines and fees, MSB currently works with approximately 450 government entities nationwide including other statewide contracts to collect delinquent court accounts for the State of California and Kansas. MSB is an active member of the American Collectors Association and the National Association for Court Management as well as many state-level associations.
Utilizing MSB?s collection services, the Judiciary will be able to increase revenue by bringing money back into the state that might otherwise have gone uncollected. Additionally, bringing people into a program of compliance is important in order for the courts and the Judiciary to increase future voluntary compliance with court-ordered fines and penalties. The Judiciary is implementing a new Judiciary Information Management System (JIMS) that will allow the courts to have an electronic interface with MSB. Upon completion of this project, the Judiciary will begin electronically submitting cases for collection. This process is estimated to begin in the next several months.
The point of contact at MSB who will be working directly with the courts and the Judiciary is Jordan Freytag. She may be reached at (800) 568-7004, ext. 3200 or jordan.freytag@gilacorp.com. For more information on MSB?s government collection services, visit www.muniserv.com.
