4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (May 14, 2026)

Technical corrections only. The changes between v3 and v4 are limited to procedural updates reflecting the bill's passage in the House and its subsequent referral to the Senate, including the specific name of the House Clerk. There are no substantive policy changes in the bill text itself.

H.R. 5625119th CongressIntroduced Sep 30, 2025

Cashless Bail Reporting Act

Passed HouseCrime and Law EnforcementSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Harris, Mark [R-NC-8]
Committees: Judiciary Committee (primary)
Last action: May 18, 2026

Bottom line

This bill mandates federal reporting on jurisdictions employing cashless bail for serious offenses, aiming to increase transparency regarding these criminal justice policies.

What it actually does

This bill directs the Attorney General to compile and annually publish a public list of all states and local governments that allow individuals charged with certain criminal offenses to be released pending trial without requiring monetary bail. The Attorney General is granted discretion to define these 'covered offenses' as those posing a clear threat to public safety and order, including violent, sexual, and public disorder acts.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that this bill promotes crucial transparency and accountability by making it easier for the public and policymakers to identify jurisdictions utilizing cashless bail for offenses that pose a clear threat to public safety. They contend that this information is vital for evaluating the impact of such policies on crime rates and community well-being, thereby informing future legislative decisions and public discourse on criminal justice reform.

Opponents contend

Opponents might argue that this bill could be perceived as an attempt to stigmatize or pressure jurisdictions that have adopted cashless bail reforms, potentially misrepresenting the nuances and benefits of their policies. They may contend that the Attorney General's determination of 'covered offenses' could be subjective and politically motivated, leading to an incomplete or biased list that does not fully reflect the complexities of bail reform or the intent of local jurisdictions.

The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, allowing for quick and complete comprehension by any interested reader.

Section 2(a)

Annual Publication of Cashless Bail Jurisdictions

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section mandates that, within one year of the bill's enactment and annually thereafter, the Attorney General must make publicly available a list. This list will identify each state and unit of local government that permits the release of individuals charged with a 'covered offense' either on personal recognizance or upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond, effectively allowing cashless bail for these crimes.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupState and local governmentsImpactIncreased federal scrutiny and public reporting on their bail policies.MechanismFederal mandate for data collection and publication by the Attorney General.ScaleApplies to all jurisdictions nationwide that implement cashless bail for covered offenses.

GroupThe public and policymakersImpactEnhanced access to information regarding bail policies in different jurisdictions.MechanismPublicly available list from the Attorney General.ScaleNational.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this provision enhances transparency, allowing citizens and lawmakers to better understand and evaluate the prevalence and impact of cashless bail policies across the country, particularly concerning serious crimes. This data can inform debates on public safety and criminal justice reform, fostering greater accountability.

Critics contend

Critics might argue that this provision could be used to unfairly target or pressure jurisdictions that have adopted bail reform measures, potentially leading to misinterpretations of their policies or an oversimplified view of complex criminal justice issues. They may also raise concerns about potential federal overreach into local judicial practices.

Tradeoffs

The provision balances the desire for transparency in criminal justice policies against concerns about potential federal interference in local judicial autonomy and the risk of mischaracterizing nuanced bail reform efforts.

Section 2(b)

Definition of 'Covered Offense'

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section defines the term 'covered offense' as a criminal offense that the Attorney General determines poses a 'clear threat to public safety and order.' It provides specific examples, including violent or sexual acts such as murder, rape, sexual assault, carjacking, robbery, burglary, and assault, as well as offenses that promote public disorder like looting, vandalism, destruction of property, rioting or inciting to riot, or fleeing from a law enforcement officer. This definition grants the Attorney General significant discretion in determining which offenses qualify for inclusion on the cashless bail list.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (May 14, 2026)

H.R. 5625119th CongressIntroduced Sep 30, 2025

Cashless Bail Reporting Act

Passed HouseCrime and Law EnforcementSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Harris, Mark [R-NC-8]
Committees: Judiciary Committee (primary)
Last action: May 18, 2026

Bottom line

This bill mandates federal reporting on jurisdictions employing cashless bail for serious offenses, aiming to increase transparency regarding these criminal justice policies.

What it actually does

Proponents argue

Opponents contend

The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, allowing for quick and complete comprehension by any interested reader.

Section 2(a)

Annual Publication of Cashless Bail Jurisdictions

prominently featuredstraightforward

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupThe public and policymakersImpactEnhanced access to information regarding bail policies in different jurisdictions.MechanismPublicly available list from the Attorney General.ScaleNational.

Supporters argue

Critics contend

Tradeoffs

Section 2(b)

Definition of 'Covered Offense'

prominently featuredstraightforward