Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits monetary bail release for individuals with prior violent offenses in Pennsylvania.

Highlights:

• Specifies that no issuing authority may permit the release of a defendant on the defendant's own recognizance or subject to an unsecured monetary condition of release if the defendant is an individual posing a threat to public safety (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits an arresting officer from releasing an individual from custody prior to taking the individual without unnecessary delay to appear before the issuing authority if the arrest is of an individual posing a threat to public safety (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that nothing in this section prohibits the issuing authority from denying bail and detaining an individual prior to trial if the issuing authority finds that no condition or combination of conditions of bail will reasonably ensure the safety of the community if the  Individual is released on bail (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that nothing in this section shall be construed to (Sec. 1):

• Modify the presumption of innocence;

• Eliminate or limit the ability of an individual to seek a bail modification hearing; or

• Limit an issuing authority from setting bail at a secured amount or otherwise detaining a person subject to arrest.

• Specifies that the bill takes effect 60 days after being passed (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text