H.R. 6175: End Cashless Bail to Protect Americans Act of 2025

The "End Cashless Bail to Protect Americans Act of 2025" aims to restrict federal funding to states and local governments that allow certain types of pre-trial releases, specifically cashless bail systems. Here’s a breakdown of the key provisions of the bill:

Prohibition of Cashless Bail

The bill states that no federal grant funds can be provided to any state or local government that permits pre-trial release of individuals on:

• Personal recognizance: This generally means that individuals are released from custody based on their promise to return for future court appearances without having to pay cash.
• Unsecured appearance bonds: This involves releasing individuals without requiring any cash upfront, although they might have to pay a certain amount if they fail to appear in court.

Identification of Non-Compliant Governments

The Attorney General is required to identify any states or local governments that use these pre-trial release methods. This identification must be done within 30 days of the law's enactment and then annually thereafter. The Attorney General must also send this list to the heads of federal agencies that manage relevant grant programs.

Termination of Federal Funding

Once identified, federal agencies must terminate any grant funding provided to those states or local governments within 90 days. This applies to all covered grant programs as defined by the bill.

Reinstating Federal Funding

If a state or local government is removed from the identified list by the Attorney General, the federal funding that was previously terminated must be reinstated within 180 days, assuming they comply with other applicable requirements.

Definitions of Relevant Grant Programs

The bill specifies several types of federal grant programs that would be affected, including but not limited to:

• The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.
• Programs authorized under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
• Grants under the Second Chance Act of 2007.
• Pell Grants available for incarcerated students.
• Various grants under child abuse prevention statutes.
• Grants administered by the Legal Services Corporation.

Impact Timeline

The enforcement measures related to funding termination and reinstatement have specified timelines, promoting swift compliance and adjustment from the identified states and local governments.

Relevant Companies

None found.