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Bail Reform: Ending Money Bail, Promoting Fairer Justice

This act aims to replace the money bail system in criminal cases, ensuring no one is detained simply because they cannot afford to pay. It provides grants to states and Indian tribes to develop alternative solutions that promote fairer treatment for all citizens, regardless of their financial status.
Key points
Ending Money Bail: Instead of paying for freedom before trial, other release conditions like supervision or court reminders will be used.
Equal Treatment: The act seeks to ensure that low-income individuals are not detained longer than wealthy individuals, reducing inequalities in the justice system.
Speedy Trials and Counsel: Guaranteeing the right to an attorney from the start of detention and setting time limits for trial commencement to avoid prolonged pre-trial detention.
Limiting Pretrial Detention: Detention before trial will only be allowed for serious violent crimes or when there is a high risk of flight or danger to others.
Taxpayer Savings: Reducing the number of individuals held in pretrial detention is expected to lead to significant savings, as maintaining prisoners is very costly.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_2152
Sponsor: Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-33]
Process start date: 2021-03-23