HB 14-1261 Summary

• Adds bonding agents to entities with electronic read-only access to court case name index and register of actions for public case types.

• Allows defendants to choose the method of bond satisfaction (cash, surety, property) unless court finds a specific method necessary for appearance or safety.

• Restricts courts from issuing personal recognizance (PR) bonds if defendant failed to appear on felony or class 1 misdemeanor within last 5 years, currently fails to appear on bond, or court lacks sufficient information.

• Sets mandatory bond amounts: $10,000 for driving under restraint with prior DUI, $50,000 for vehicular eluding while driving under influence, and $50,000 for felony drug distribution.

• Requires bond deposits be returned if charges are dismissed within 14 days, requires pretrial supervision to notify bail bond agents of violations within 2 business days, and prohibits using defendant bond deposits to cover court costs without written agreement.