Bail Bond Topics in the Connecticut 2023 Legislative Session

The CT Bail Bond topics shown in the list below are from the 2023 Legislative Session and have been proposed as of March 2023. Remember this is the long session year that adjourns on June 7th, 2023.

Bail Bond Topics in the 2023 Legislative Session

• RB 5180, AN ACT CONCERNING CASH BAIL
• RB 5198, AN ACT REFORMING THE BAIL BOND SYSTEM
• RB 5824, AN ACT REFORMING THE BAIL SYSTEM
• RB 5180, AN ACT CONCERNING CASH BAIL
• RB 6434, AN ACT INCREASING BAIL FOR OFFENDERS WHO VIOLATE PROTECTIVE ORDERs
• RB 6443, AN ACT CONCERNING WHO MAY BE RELEASED ON A PROMISE TO APPEAR
• RB 6834, AN ACT CONCERNING SERIOUS FIREARM OFFENSES BY REPEAT OFFENDERS
• RB 843, AN ACT CONCERNING BAIL REFORM
• RB 1126, AN ACT CONCERNING THE AUTHORITY OF PROFESSIONAL BONDSMEN, SURETY BAIL BONDS AGENTS AND BAIL ENFORCEMENT AGENTS TO ENTER A RESIDENCE

All bail bond topics listed below share the author’s understanding of the current bills at the Judiciary Committee.

RB 5180, AN ACT CONCERNING CASH BAIL

This bill attempts to remove the automatic 10% cash option for bonds 20,000 or less and return the decision to the courts to make at their own discretion. At the beginning of 2021, the automatic 10% went into effect and it was touted to help poorer people get out because they would get their money back if they went to court. In contrast, there are more people locked up on bonds 20,000 or less today than there were before when it went into effect. 

It seems wealthy individuals have the ability to post this bail bond option while those who cannot afford them are left behind. As of now, the bill sits in referral to the Connecticut Judiciary Committee.

RB 5198, AN ACT REFORMING THE BAIL BOND SYSTEM

This legislation calls for the revocation of a bail bond if the accused reoffends. This is even though the accused is still innocent until proven guilty. It also merges the oversight of surety bail bond agents with professional bondsmen and places them under one regulatory authority.

The bill looks for oversight of certain fiscal responsibilities of Bail Agents and finally, it calls for disqualification for public offender representation on those who bail out on bonds over certain amounts. The denial of legal representation because a family member was able to afford coming up with the financial ability to secure the accused’s liberty may be unconstitutional. 

Bail Bond topics information can be found on CGA’s website. As of now, the bill sits in referral to the Connecticut Judiciary Committee.

RB 5824, AN ACT REFORMING THE BAIL SYSTEM

This is the same legislation as RB 5198 however the Connecticut General Assembly website lists it as “Vote to draft” 

RB 6434, AN ACT INCREASING BAIL FOR OFFENDERS WHO VIOLATE PROTECTIVE ORDERS

A simple bill requiring the bail on offenders who violate protective orders to be raised. As of now, the bill sits in referral to the Judiciary Committee.

RB 6443, AN ACT CONCERNING WHO MAY BE RELEASED ON A PROMISE TO APPEAR

This is an attempt to prohibit release on a promise to appear to those who have gun charges, assault with a firearm, or criminal violation of protective orders. Its purpose is to protect the public from violent offenders.

As of now, this bill sits in referral to the Connecticut Judiciary Committee.

RB 6834, AN ACT CONCERNING SERIOUS FIREARM OFFENSES BY REPEAT OFFENDERS

Besides having several changes to current statutes that have 2nd Amendment implications, this bill has a provision that requires certain repeat offenders to post 30% of their bail as cash with the court. Other defendants may be held without bail. The cash-only goes against legislation passed previously that prohibits such bonds and also will only benefit wealthy individuals.

Those who cannot afford the 30% will be stuck in what really would be a “Wealth Based Incarceration”. Being held without bail is called preventative detention and goes against the Connecticut State Constitution and would require an amendment to change. At a public hearing this week, there was much opposition to this legislation, besides it having support from certain city leaders who claim it will help curb violent crimes. The bill sits in the Connecticut Judiciary Committee currently. 

RB 843, AN ACT CONCERNING BAIL REFORM

This bill calls for preventative detention and goes against the Connecticut State Constitution and thus would require an amendment to move forward. This bill sits, referred to the Connecticut Judiciary Committee. 

RB 1126, AN ACT CONCERNING THE AUTHORITY OF PROFESSIONAL BONDSMEN, SURETY BAIL BONDS AGENTS AND BAIL ENFORCEMENT AGENTS TO ENTER A RESIDENCE

This legislation calls for Bail Agents to operate under the rules and regulations of police officers while not being sworn peace officers. The spirit of accountability is good. The language will have to be changed to make it work legally though as CT Bail Agents agents are not police officers. This bill is in the Connecticut Public Safety and Security Committee being worked on. You can read Bondsman Drew’s recent testimony heard on February 2nd at the Legislative Office Building located in Hartford, CT.

In Conclusion

While there is no quick solution to the rise in crime under the proposed bail bond topics this year, Connecticut residents should be paying attention to these attempted changes as they could affect their current legal representation or possible right to reasonable bail amounts.

No defendant should languish in jail just because they could not afford the bail premium. That said, there are times people stay in jail for other reasons. 

Some incarcerated individuals may feel they are ready to do their time and want credit for time served. Their family may feel it is the safest place for them if they have substance abuse or addiction problems. In other instances, they may be such a risk of flight that no one will post their bail bond. These are some of the most common reasons people do not post bail on smaller bonds.

Bail bond topics clearly explained can help you stay updated with the latest Connecticut bail legislation. The bills may serve as guidance to Connecticut residents and local Bail Agent professionals to learn about what’s at risk when new legislation is proposed in your State.

3-D Bail Bonds is a licensed Connecticut Bail Bonds agency that offers payment plans to those who need them to get out of jail. Financing is interest-free and their Bail Agents are available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.