H.R. 5625: Cashless Bail Reporting Act (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, titled the Cashless Bail Reporting Act, mandates the Attorney General to create and publicly share a list of each state and local government that allows cashless bail practices. Cashless bail refers to scenarios where individuals charged with an offense can be released from custody before their trial either on their own promise to appear in court (personal recognizance) or by signing an unsecured appearance bond, which doesn't require upfront cash payment.

Key Provisions

The Attorney General is required to publish this list within 30 days after the bill is enacted.
This list must include all states and local government units that implement cashless bail systems.
The list will be updated quarterly to reflect any changes in jurisdictions allowing cashless bail.

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to increase transparency regarding cashless bail practices across the United States. By having an accessible list, it would provide a clear understanding of where cashless bail is permitted and help inform discussions and decisions related to criminal justice practices.

Impact

This legislation focuses on the reporting rather than the implementation of cashless bail systems. Therefore, while it might influence how states and local governments apply cashless bail, the bill itself does not alter existing bail laws or create new requirements for jurisdictions.