HB1289 - Criminal Pretrial Reform

• Implements 25 recommendations from the Criminal Pretrial Task Force to reform criminal pretrial practices and increase pretrial release while protecting public safety.

• Requires intake service centers to conduct pretrial risk assessments within two working days of admission, including evaluation of financial circumstances, flight risk, and violence risk, with assessments reviewed and validated every five years.

• Permits law enforcement to issue citations in lieu of arrest for non-violent class C felonies, misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors, and violations for low-risk defendants likely to appear in court.

• Establishes presumption of release on own recognizance for traffic offenses, violations, and non-violent misdemeanors unless specific exceptions apply; requires bail amounts to be reasonable and based on defendant's financial ability.

• Creates a Criminal Justice Research Institute within the office of the chief justice to collect data, monitor criminal justice system effectiveness, and issue annual reports; appropriates funds for staffing and establishes electronic monitoring and home detention as pretrial release alternatives.