Bill > SB562

This bill amends California's bail procedures to provide financial relief to defendants or arrestees under specific circumstances. If a prosecuting agency dismisses a complaint or indictment within 21 days of a defendant's original arraignment, or fails to file charges within 21 days of a bail bond being posted, and the defendant has not missed any mandatory court appearances, the court must order the bail surety agent to refund most of the bail premium paid. Specifically, the refund will be the full bail premium minus a 2% administrative reimbursement and the premium tax paid to the state. This requirement applies only to bail surety bonds entered into on or after January 1, 2026, and the bill includes a severability clause, which means that if any part of the law is found invalid, the rest of the law can still be enforced. The bill aims to provide some financial protection to individuals who post bail but do not ultimately face criminal charges, ensuring they can recover most of their bail bond premium under certain dismissal or non-charging scenarios.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB562