MS HB1021

Establishes that bail cannot be set solely for the purpose of detaining defendants and presumes bail amounts are both necessary for public safety and attainable by the defendant.

Allows defendants to rebut the presumption that bail is attainable by filing a motion to reduce or modify bail due to lack of financial means within 48 hours of filing.

Requires courts to determine whether indigent misdemeanor defendants can be released on recognizance based on Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure standards, prohibiting incarceration solely because a defendant cannot afford bail.

Permits defendants to waive court appearance and execute appearance bonds in amounts determined by bond guidelines set out in the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Requires courts to check the Mississippi Protection Order Registry before setting bail in cases involving domestic relationships and to consider the existence of protection orders when determining appropriate bail conditions.