MS HB1135

Requires defendants who failed to appear on criminal charges within the previous 12 months, or failed to appear 2+ times within 5 years, to be released only on secured appearance bonds as defined in Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Authorizes court officers to set bail amounts using bond guidelines in Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure when the judge is unavailable and has not otherwise provided for bail setting.

Clarifies that cash bail deposits are discretionary (not required) and allows defendants to post bail through a professional bail agent for one-fourth of the full bail amount if a partial cash deposit is accepted.

Requires justice court judges to check the Mississippi Protection Order Registry before setting bail in domestic violence cases and to consider existing protection orders when determining appropriate bail.

Prohibits use of the Bail Bond Database to restrict the amount of bonds professional bail agents may have outstanding until the database is certified as reliable and accurate by the commissioner and all courts participate in a unified filing system.