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Bill

Bill

A 4499

Provides that persons arrested for domestic violence forfeit bail when violating an order of protection

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Gallahan

Bill A 4499 requires bail forfeiture for those arrested for domestic violence who violate protective orders, enhancing safety for victims and deterring offenders.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4499

Summary of Bill A 4499

Bill Number: A 4499
Title: Provides that persons arrested for domestic violence forfeit bail when violating an order of protection
Status: Referred to Codes
Introduced: February 04, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 4499 aims to enhance the enforcement of orders of protection in domestic violence cases by instituting a provision that requires individuals arrested for domestic violence to forfeit their bail if they violate such orders. The intent behind this legislation is to provide greater protection for victims of domestic violence and to deter offenders from breaching protective orders.

Key Provisions

  • Bail Forfeiture: The primary provision of the bill stipulates that any person arrested for domestic violence will automatically forfeit their bail if they are found to have violated an existing order of protection.

  • Strengthening Victim Protection: By imposing stricter consequences for violations of protective orders, the bill seeks to enhance the safety and security of victims, ensuring that they are not further endangered by the actions of their abuser.

  • Legal Framework: The bill would amend existing laws related to bail and domestic violence, creating a clearer legal framework for law enforcement and the judicial system to follow in cases of domestic violence.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Victims of Domestic Violence: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be individuals who have obtained orders of protection against their abusers, as the legislation aims to provide them with increased safety and peace of mind.

  • Offenders: Individuals arrested for domestic violence who violate protective orders would face the immediate consequence of bail forfeiture, which could lead to longer detention periods and increased legal repercussions.

  • Law Enforcement and Judicial System: The bill would impact how law enforcement agencies handle arrests related to domestic violence and how the courts process cases involving violations of protective orders.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Current Status: As of February 4, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Codes Committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation: This bill is part of a broader legislative effort, with several related bills from prior sessions (S 7360, S 4891, S 311, S 69, S 6273, A 8121, A 3369) indicating ongoing legislative interest in addressing domestic violence and protective orders.

Conclusion

Bill A 4499 represents a significant step towards strengthening the legal protections available to victims of domestic violence. By instituting bail forfeiture for violations of protective orders, the bill aims to deter offenders and enhance the safety of those at risk. The bill is currently under review by the Codes Committee, and its progress will be closely monitored by advocates and stakeholders in the field of domestic violence prevention.

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

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