SB 1421 Summary

• Implements 25 recommendations from the Criminal Pretrial Task Force to improve criminal pretrial practices, including enhancing public safety while maximizing pretrial release for low-risk defendants.

• Requires intake service centers to conduct pretrial risk assessments and prepare bail reports within two working days of admission, inquire about financial circumstances, evaluate violence risk, and periodically validate assessment tools every five years.

• Permits police officers to issue citations in lieu of arrest for non-violent class C felonies, misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors, and violations when officer finds reasonable satisfaction defendant will appear and poses no flight risk.

• Establishes rebuttable presumptions for pretrial release under least restrictive conditions for non-violent offenders; requires prompt bail hearings; allows 24/7 monetary bail posting at police departments or correctional centers; eliminates monetary bail for traffic, violation, and non-violent petty misdemeanor/misdemeanor charges with limited exceptions.

• Creates a Criminal Justice Research Institute under the Chief Justice to collect statewide criminal pretrial data, monitor evidence-based practices, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and issue annual reports to the legislature; establishes periodic jail population reviews to identify pretrial release candidates; makes appropriations for institute staff, pretrial support services, electronic monitoring, and intake center operations.