VT H0866

Eliminates existing limitations on bail imposition and increases the maximum bail for sealing-eligible misdemeanors from $200 to $1,000

Establishes mandatory detention without bail for repeat offenders, including defendants with 2+ failures to appear in 5 years, 3+ prior convictions in 5 years, 4+ pending charges, or those arrested while on release in another case

Creates tiered mandatory minimum bail amounts based on criminal history, ranging from $1,000 for repeat failures to appear up to $100,000 for drug trafficking offenses committed while on release

Authorizes arresting officers to recommend detention or bail amounts, with courts required to follow officer recommendations for no-bail holds and to impose officer-recommended bail amounts (capped at $25,000 for misdemeanors, $100,000 for felonies) when supported by an affidavit

Requires automatic forfeiture of all posted bail if a defendant on release is charged with a new offense, and mandates expedited hearings within 72 hours for defendants held without bail who wish to present evidence