IL HB5494

Requires defendants to deposit 10% of bail amount (minimum $25) with the court clerk, with a form documenting whether money came from the defendant or another person.

Permits courts to require 100% bail deposit for defendants charged with Class X felonies under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, or making terrorist threats.

Returns 90% of deposited bail to the defendant upon case completion, while clerk retains 10% as bail bond costs (minimum $5), with provisions allowing bail from one case to be applied to financial obligations in other cases.

Assesses a $75 fee on defendants admitted to bail after failing to appear in criminal, traffic, or wildlife cases, with $70 going to the arresting agency and $5 to the Circuit Court Clerk Operation and Administrative Fund.

Forfeits bail if defendant fails to comply with bond conditions; in counties under 3 million population, courts may exercise discretion on judgment amounts and may award cash deposits to child support creditors.