Public Safety Committee to Review Legislation Reducing Use of Cash Bail

SAINT PAUL, MN – On Thursday, February 14, Rep. Mohamud Noor (DFL – Minneapolis) will present legislation in the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform committee to reduce the use of financial conditions – typically bail – in misdemeanor offenses. Under the bill, defendants charged with certain misdemeanors would be released without financial conditions unless the court determined there was a substantial likelihood that the defendant would flee or endanger public safety.

What: First hearing on H.F. 741

When: Thursday, February 14, 2019 at 12:45 p.m.

Where: Capitol 120

Who:  Chief Author Rep. Mohamud Noor

Bail for misdemeanors in Minnesota can vary from $78 – $12,000. Defendants who cannot pay the amount often use bail bonds or remain in jail before trial. Minnesota allows bail bonds to charge up to 10 percent of the bail amount.

The financial condition exemption would not apply if the defendant had impaired driving convictions within the prior 10 years, or had a history of committing violent crimes such as domestic abuse, domestic violence, or stalking.

Sen. Bobby Joe Champion authored companion legislation in the Senate.