SB590: Clarifying conditions for pretrial release and maximum bail amount for certain defendants

Legislative Summary

The purpose of this bill relates to pretrial release generally. The bill clarifies the right to pretrial release; clarifies maximum bail amount for charges for multiple misdemeanor offenses; defines terms; establishes that defendant has right to select method of securing bail; clarifies that personal recognizance bonds shall include an unsecured monetary amount; prohibits magistrate from setting cash only or property only bail; authorizes judicial officer to impose reasonably necessary conditions to assure defendant will appear as required, including releasing defendant on his or her own recognizance; clarifies that a magistrate may not release a defendant charged with a felony offense on his or her own recognizance on initial appearance; provides circumstances when a bail bond is not appropriate; provides circumstances when a magistrate has discretion to set a cash only bond; and makes technical corrections.