Bill > HB920

This bill amends Pennsylvania law regarding bail procedures by introducing new provisions for how cash bail can be used and applied. Specifically, the bill allows courts to automatically apply cash bail to restitution, fees, fines, and costs in criminal or delinquency cases, both when the defendant or a third party has deposited the bail. The key change is that cash bail can now be redirected to cover legal financial obligations unless the defendant or depositor can demonstrate that doing so would cause an "undue hardship." The bill also requires that depositors receive written notice about these potential bail application rules before making a cash bail deposit. The new provisions aim to provide a more standardized approach to handling bail funds and ensuring that financial penalties are more readily collected. The bill will take effect 180 days after its passage, giving courts and legal systems time to prepare for and implement the new guidelines.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=920