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End of No-Bail Release in D.C.: Secured Financial Bond Required Before Trial

This Act introduces a major change to the pretrial release system in the District of Columbia. Moving forward, any individual charged with an offense who appears before a judicial officer must execute a secured appearance bond (bail bond) of a reasonably necessary amount to be released pending trial. This eliminates the option of being released solely on personal recognizance, aiming to enhance public safety by ensuring defendants provide financial assurance of their court appearance.
Key points
Bail Requirement: Individuals charged with an offense in D.C. can no longer be released pending trial without executing a secured appearance bond.
Elimination of Personal Recognizance: The option for release based solely on a personal promise to appear (personal recognizance) is repealed.
Restriction on Local Authority: The Act prohibits the D.C. Council and Mayor from enacting or enforcing any rule that permits release without a secured bail bond.
Immediate Effect: These new rules apply to all individuals charged with an offense who appear before a judicial officer, regardless of when the charges were filed.
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Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_5016
Sponsor: Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]
Process start date: 2025-08-22
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-flash-latest
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Keep Offenders Off Our Streets Act.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_HR_5016.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-08-22.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Bail Requirement: Individuals charged with an offense in D.C. can no longer be released pending trial without executing a secured appearance bond.
  • Elimination of Personal Recognizance: The option for release based solely on a personal promise to appear (personal recognizance) is repealed.
  • Restriction on Local Authority: The Act prohibits the D.C. Council and Mayor from enacting or enforcing any rule that permits release without a secured bail bond.
  • Immediate Effect: These new rules apply to all individuals charged with an offense who appear before a judicial officer, regardless of when the charges were filed.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-31.

CATEGORIES

Courts and Law Security Local Government