Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass with amendment a bill that authorizes the release of defendants on unsecured bail.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a court to order a defendant’s release upon the execution of an unsecured financial bond for all or part of the bail amount that will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant in court (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that if the defendant fails to appear in court or breaches any other condition of release, the court shall forfeit the unsecured bond (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the court, in determining the granting or denial of unsecured bail, to consider the defendant’s (Sec. 1):

• Employment status and history;

• Family relationships;

• Past and present residences;

• Character and reputation;

• Ties to the community;

• Financial circumstances; 

• Prior criminal record; and

• Charged offense and potential sentence.

• Specifies that this act does not affect proceedings that were begun before its effective date (Sec. 2). 

Full Bill Text