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SF 322

Data held by law enforcement agencies regarding the person or entity that posted bail is public authorization; notice to the agency custody of the arrested or detained person when bail or a bond is posted requirement

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Koran

Makes bail poster identities public record and requires law enforcement to notify custody agencies when bail is posted, raising privacy and safety concerns for bail-posting individuals.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
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Bill Summary · SF 322

Legislative bill overview

SF 322 requires law enforcement agencies to treat bail and bond information as public record and mandates that custody agencies be notified when bail or bonds are posted for arrested or detained persons. The bill essentially removes confidentiality restrictions on who posts bail for individuals and creates a notification requirement when bail conditions are met.

Why is this important

Bail information directly affects individuals' freedom and safety. Making bail poster identities public could expose witnesses, domestic violence survivors, or other vulnerable people who post bail for loved ones. Conversely, transparency advocates argue the public has a right to know how the bail system operates and who benefits from it.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and safety concerns: Publicizing who posts bail could endanger individuals posting bail for domestic violence survivors, witnesses in criminal cases, or those fleeing dangerous situations
  • Notification timing and implementation: Unclear operational requirements for agencies to notify custody holders, potentially creating compliance burdens and delays in release processes
  • Bail system equity: Questions about whether public bail records reveal disparities in who can afford bail versus public defender reliance, and whether this serves transparency or invades privacy disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations

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

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