authors: Bonta, Bloom, Chiu, Jones-Sawyer, Quirk, M. Stone
co-authors: Allen, Hertzberg, Mitchell, Wiener, Eggman, Friedman, Gloria
California’s mandatory bail system is broken. By setting exorbitantly high dollar amounts which, if paid, allow someone accused of a crime to temporarily return to their life, the current bail system unfairly creates two standards of justice — one for the rich, and one for the poor. Further, studies repeatedly show that eliminating bail — allowing the accused to live normal lives while awaiting trial — does not increase crime. AB 42 would allow judges and law enforcement more discretion in setting bail amounts, taking a big step toward fixing this unfair and ineffective system. (This bill died.)