FL H0445

Establishes state-level policies for all pretrial release programs, preempting local ordinances and orders, requiring programs to provide courts with defendant information including ability to pay for surety bonds

Restricts pretrial release program eligibility to defendants who cannot afford surety bonds and meet specific criteria: not charged with capital/life/first-degree felony, no failures to appear in past 12 months, not on probation for other charges, and no prior violent convictions

Requires pretrial release programs to certify in writing that defendants meet all eligibility requirements before court determines program placement, and mandates notification of court appearance dates

Prohibits pretrial release programs from charging administrative fees but allows fees for court-ordered services such as electronic monitoring, drug testing, and substance abuse treatment

Allows courts to order pretrial release program participation for defendants ineligible under standard criteria if they qualify for drug court, mental health court, or prison diversion programs, and changes program register updates from weekly to monthly