H.R.5214 — District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act
House Roll Call
H.R.5214
| Bill | H.R.5214 — District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act |
|---|---|
| Vote question | On Passage |
| Vote type | Yea-and-Nay |
| Result | Passed |
| Totals | Yea 237 / Nay 179 / Present 0 / Not Voting 17 |
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | 209 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| D | 28 | 179 | 0 | 7 |
| I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Research Brief
On Passage
Bill Analysis
Bill Summary: HR 5214 - District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act of 2025
The District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act of 2025 aims to eliminate the cash bail system in Washington, D.C., transitioning to a risk assessment-based pretrial release framework. The bill seeks to address concerns regarding the disproportionate impact of cash bail on low-income individuals and communities of color, ensuring that pretrial detention is based on risk rather than financial status.
Key Provisions:
- Elimination of Cash Bail: The bill prohibits the use of cash bail for individuals awaiting trial, mandating that release decisions be based on a comprehensive risk assessment tool that evaluates factors such as flight risk and potential danger to the community.
- Implementation of Risk Assessment Tools: The legislation requires the development and implementation of standardized risk assessment tools to guide judicial decisions on pretrial release.
- Judicial Training and Resources: It allocates funding for training judges and court personnel on the new risk assessment processes and procedures to ensure effective implementation.
Funding and Authorities: The bill authorizes appropriations to support the transition to the new system, including funding for the development of risk assessment tools and training programs for judicial and law enforcement personnel. Specific funding amounts are not detailed in the text but are anticipated to cover necessary operational costs.
Affected Programs and Agencies: The bill primarily impacts the D.C. Superior Court, the Department of Corrections, and local law enforcement agencies. It also affects community organizations involved in pretrial services and advocacy.
Beneficiaries and Regulations: Individuals charged with crimes in D.C. will benefit from reduced pretrial detention rates, particularly those unable to afford bail. The legislation aims to create a fairer judicial process that minimizes unnecessary detention.
Key Timelines: Following its introduction, the bill has been received in the Senate for further consideration. The timeline for implementation will depend on the legislative process and subsequent appropriations.
Yea (237)
K
Ken Calvert
S
Scott Franklin
J
John Mannion
L
Lisa McClain
D
David Schweikert
P
Pete Sessions
Nay (179)
J
Jason Crow
J
John Garamendi
L
Lucy McBath
R
Rashida Tlaib
N
Nydia Velázquez
D
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
