Senate Bill 967 Summary

• Requires magistrate judges to conduct a pretrial release hearing immediately upon a defendant's initial appearance to determine conditions of release, with rules of evidence not applying at the hearing.

• Guarantees defendants specific procedural protections including right to counsel, ability to contest and present evidence, and right to cross-examine witnesses, with all findings made by clear and convincing evidence.

• Requires courts to consider eight specified factors (crime seriousness, criminal history, reputation, residence length, family ties, employment, community vouchers, and other lifestyle factors) when determining whether a defendant poses a flight risk or safety threat.

• Mandates courts impose the least restrictive conditions necessary and prohibits secured or partially secured bonds unless a finding shows no non-monetary conditions can assure court appearance or community safety; detention only allowed if no conditions can reasonably assure these.

• Creates a new bail modification hearing requirement within 48 hours if a defendant remains in jail, and prohibits bond revocation or forfeiture without a hearing complying with pretrial release hearing procedures; effective November 1, 2025.