SB1897 Summary

• Requires persons charged with violent crimes to appear before court for bail and bond condition setting, with limited exceptions for video conferencing or waiver if appearance is impracticable.

• Defines "violent crime" to include felonies involving force or threat of force, sexual offenses, domestic battery, stalking, violations of protection orders, misdemeanors resulting in death or great bodily harm, and DUI/reckless driving causing serious injury or death.

• Mandates courts consider 11 factors before setting bail for violent crimes, including defendant's history of violence, mental health, access to weapons, substance abuse history, severity of alleged offense, and relationship separation from victim.

• Requires surrender of all firearms within 72 hours and surrender of Firearm Owner's Identification Card when charged with forcible felonies, domestic battery, stalking, or crimes involving deadly weapons.

• Establishes bail bond conditions including no contact with victims for minimum 72 hours, restrictions on entering victim's residence, and other conditions to protect public safety and ensure court appearance.