Cashless Bail Reporting Act
This bill would require the Attorney General to publicly publish a list identifying every State and unit of local government that permits cashless bail. In plain terms, it aims to create transparency about which jurisdictions use cashless pretrial release policies. The phrase “and for other purposes” signals that the bill may include additional related provisions not specified in the title, such as definitions, procedures for maintaining the list, or related reporting requirements. Because the full text isn’t provided, the exact mechanics (how the list is published, how often it’s updated, and where it’s hosted) aren’t specified here. Cashless bail generally refers to pretrial release practices that do not require the defendant to pay cash upfront (for example, releases on recognizance, unsecured bonds, or noncash alternatives). This bill would make those jurisdictions more visible to the public, researchers, policymakers, and advocates, potentially informing debates about pretrial reform and public safety.
Key Points
- 1Directs the Attorney General to make publicly available a list of jurisdictions (state and units of local government) that permit cashless bail.
- 2The scope includes both states and substate/local government entities.
- 3Aims to increase transparency and public awareness of where cashless bail policies are in effect.
- 4The “and for other purposes” clause suggests additional, unspecified provisions could accompany the main requirement (e.g., definitions, update procedures, or related reporting).
- 5By publishing the list, the bill could facilitate comparative analysis, advocacy, and policy discussions about pretrial release practices.