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Ending Cashless Bail: Federal Funding Cutoff for States Allowing Unsecured Release.

This legislation aims to compel state and local governments to stop using "cashless bail," which includes releasing defendants before trial based only on a personal promise or an unsecured bond. If a jurisdiction continues this practice, it will lose access to specific federal grant programs, including funds for crime fighting, education, and legal aid. Citizens might experience changes in local public safety or reductions in services funded by these federal grants.
Key points
Federal Funding Withheld: States and local governments that allow pre-trial release without requiring financial security (such as personal recognizance or unsecured bonds) will lose access to designated federal grants.
At-Risk Programs: The funding cuts target programs supporting local law enforcement (Justice Assistance Grants), legal services, rehabilitation programs, and educational grants for incarcerated students (Pell Grants).
Policy Enforcement: The Attorney General will identify non-compliant jurisdictions annually, leading to the termination of funds within 90 days, pressuring local governments to change their bail policies.
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Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_6175
Sponsor: Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2]