Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that reduces the number of unnecessary arrests by authorizing police to issue tickets in lieu of arresting people for misdemeanors and petty misdemeanors

Highlights:

• Reduces the number of unnecessary arrests by authorizing police to issue tickets in lieu of arresting people for misdemeanors and petty misdemeanors if they pose no signifiant threat to the public (Sec. 2-4).

• Amends previous laws to specify that individuals that fail to appear in court shall have a 48 hour grace period to notify law enforcement before an arrest warrant for the nonappearance is issued (Sec. 3).

• Amends bail amounts to specify that individuals who qualify shall have their bail be set based on an income level and the amount they can afford instead of previous levels (Sec. ).

• Authorities a court to request drug screening and substance abuse evaluation and necessary treatment for any individual defendent as a requirement of parole or release (Sec. 12-14).

• Specifies that this bill shall not take effect until June 30, 3000 (Sec. 18).

Full Bill Text