Bill > HB1323

This bill modifies Indiana law regarding bail, aiming to reduce the instances where money bail is required for pretrial release. Specifically, it prohibits courts from requiring an arrestee to pay bail unless certain conditions are met: the court must find by clear and convincing evidence that the arrestee is a flight risk or a danger to the community, or the arrestee is charged with murder or treason, is already on pretrial release for another matter, or is currently on probation, parole, or other community supervision. When bail is deemed necessary, the bill mandates that the amount set must be the lowest amount reasonably required to ensure the arrestee's appearance in court and protect the community, taking into account the defendant's financial circumstances. The bill also emphasizes the use of the Indiana pretrial risk assessment system to inform bail decisions and generally favors releasing arrestees without money bail if they are not deemed a substantial risk of flight or danger, unless specific exceptions apply.