Connecticut House Bill HB05507

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/20
• Refer: 3/11/20

Caption

An Act Concerning Cash Bail.

Impact

The enactment of HB 5507 would significantly alter the landscape of cash bail in the state. By requiring the court to consider individual circumstances before setting financial conditions, the bill is likely to reduce instances where individuals are held in custody solely due to an inability to pay bail. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the cost of electronic monitoring services cannot exceed five dollars per day, and provisions must be made for indigent defendants, safeguarding their rights and promoting a more just pretrial environment.

Summary

House Bill 5507, titled 'An Act Concerning Cash Bail', introduces reforms to how courts manage bail conditions for arrested individuals. The bill mandates that certain conditions must be met before a person charged with a crime can be released on bail, especially concerning the amount of cash bail required and the circumstances surrounding it. Notably, it specifies that cash bail options must be provided only after a court order and cannot be an automatic process. This change is aimed at enhancing judicial discretion and ensuring that bail practices are fair and equitable, particularly for low-income individuals.

Contention

However, HB 5507 has not been without controversy. Advocates for criminal justice reform support its aims to alleviate the financial burdens imposed on pretrial detainees, particularly those from underserved communities. Conversely, some law enforcement and public safety advocates express concerns that these reforms might inadvertently lead to increased risks to community safety, arguing that strict bail conditions serve as necessary measures to prevent potential offenses while awaiting trial. This tension underscores the ongoing debate about balancing fairness in the judicial process with considerations of public safety.