Section 903.15.

(a) The parent of any minor, or other person who is liable for the support of the minor, on whose behalf a petition is filed pursuant to Section 601 or 602, when the minor is represented by appointed counsel, shall be assessed a reasonable registration fee not to exceed fifty dollars ($50) at the time the legal services are provided. Notwithstanding this subdivision, no fee shall be required of any parent or other person who is financially unable to pay the fee.

(b) At the time of appointment of counsel by the court, or upon commencement of representation by the public defender, if prior to court appointment, the parent or other person who is liable for the support of the minor shall be asked if he or she is financially able to pay the registration fee or any portion thereof. If the parent or other person indicates that he or she is able to pay the fee or a portion thereof, the court or public defender shall make an assessment in accordance with ability to pay. No fee shall be assessed against any parent or other person who asserts that he or she is unable to pay the fee or any portion thereof. No other inquiry concerning the parent's or other person's ability to pay shall be made until proceedings are held pursuant to Section 903.45.

(c) No minor shall be denied the assistance of appointed counsel due solely to the failure of the parent or other person to pay the registration fee. The registration fee shall be a joint and several liability of the parent or other person who is liable for the support of the minor. An order to pay the registration fee may be enforced in the manner provided for enforcement of civil judgments generally, but may not be enforced by contempt.

(d) The fact that a parent or other person who is liable for the support of the minor has or has not been assessed a fee pursuant to this section shall have no effect in any later proceedings held pursuant to Section 903.1 or 903.45, except that the parent or other person shall be given credit for any amounts paid as a registration fee toward any assessment imposed pursuant to Section 903.1 or 903.45 for legal services.

(e) This section shall be operative in a county only upon the adoption of a resolution or ordinance by the board of supervisors electing to establish the registration fee and setting forth the manner in which the funds shall be collected and distributed. Collection procedures, accounting measures, and the distribution of the funds received pursuant to this section shall be within the discretion of the board of supervisors.

(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 402, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2012.)