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HSB 124

A bill for an act relating to initial appearance minimum bond amounts for certain criminal offenses.

2025-2026 Regular Session

HF 546 mandates higher minimum bond amounts for individuals charged with serious violent crimes, aiming to enhance public safety and reduce reoffending risks.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 546.
#bonds #criminallaw #criminalprocedure
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Bill Summary · HSB 124

Summary of HSB 124 (Renumbered as HF 546)

Purpose and Intent

HSB 124, now renumbered as HF 546, is a proposed legislative bill aimed at establishing minimum bond amounts for individuals arrested for specific serious criminal offenses. The bill seeks to enhance public safety by ensuring that individuals charged with violent crimes are subject to stricter bond requirements, thereby potentially reducing the risk of reoffending while awaiting trial.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces the following significant changes to the existing bond schedule:

  • Minimum Bond Amounts: The bill specifies that the bond schedule established by the judicial council will not apply to individuals arrested for the following offenses:
    • Attempted murder (Code section 707.11)
    • Assault with a weapon (Code section 708.1)
    • Willful injury (Code section 708.4(1))
    • Intimidation with a dangerous weapon (Code section 708.6(1))
    • Going armed with intent (Code section 708.8)
    • Possession by a felon (Code section 724.26(1))
    • Any forcible felony as defined under Code section 702.11

This means that for these offenses, the bond amounts will be set higher than the standard schedule, reflecting the severity of the crimes.

Affected Parties

The bill primarily affects:

  • Individuals Arrested for Serious Crimes: Those charged with the specified offenses will face higher minimum bond amounts, which may impact their ability to secure release prior to trial.
  • Judicial System: Courts and law enforcement agencies will need to adjust their procedures to accommodate the new bond requirements.
  • Public Safety: The intent is to enhance community safety by reducing the likelihood of repeat offenses by individuals charged with serious crimes.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: February 5, 2025
  • Subcommittee Meeting: February 10, 2025
  • Subcommittee Recommendation: February 12, 2025
  • Committee Vote: February 19, 2025 (15 in favor, 5 against, 3 excused)
  • Committee Report Approving Bill: February 20, 2025, leading to its renumbering as HF 546

Conclusion

HSB 124 (HF 546) represents a legislative effort to impose stricter bond requirements for individuals charged with serious violent offenses. By establishing minimum bond amounts, the bill aims to enhance public safety and ensure that those accused of serious crimes are held to a higher standard while awaiting trial. The bill is currently progressing through the legislative process, having received committee approval and recommendations for passage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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