All articles tagged with #bail laws
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed a law reforming criminal justice policies, including banning cashless bail for certain crimes and addressing capital punishment, in response to the murder of a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte train, despite criticisms for lacking broader safety measures and mental health funding.
President Trump signed an executive order to eliminate cashless bail across the U.S., citing safety concerns, despite studies showing no link between bail reforms and increased crime. The order threatens to cut federal funding to jurisdictions that allow cashless bail and targets Washington, D.C., specifically. Proponents argue cashless bail is unfair to the poor, while opponents, including Trump, see it as too lenient, with recent reforms in states like New York and Alaska aiming to address these issues.
Texas lawmakers concluded their 2025 session by passing conservative policies including private school vouchers, stricter bail laws, water infrastructure funding, and measures to promote Christianity in schools, while also addressing issues like online gambling and property taxes, with some bills facing legal challenges and opposition.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the decision to release migrants who attacked NYPD officers without bail, stating that they should be prosecuted and held accountable for their actions. She expressed frustration with the situation and emphasized the need for law enforcement to have the necessary resources to keep citizens safe. Several of the suspects fled to California, but some were later apprehended in Phoenix, Arizona. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office stated that the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
New York state judges will have more leeway in restricting criminal defendants before trial, thanks to an unexpected budget compromise. The new agreement will free judges’ hands in imposing a variety of conditions on non-bail-eligible crimes, such as requiring electronic monitoring or drug treatment. However, judges still won’t be allowed to consider jailing a criminal defendant based on how much they believe he or she is a danger to society. The revamped bail proposal is expected to be approved by state lawmakers in budget votes set to finish by early Wednesday.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers have reached a $229 billion budget agreement that includes changes to the state's bail laws, an increase in the minimum wage, and urgent funding for New York City's transit system. The deal was reached after weeks of contentious negotiations that divided the governor and the Democrat-led State Legislature. The agreement will result in a hodgepodge of other Democratic priorities, from a ban on natural gas in new buildings to funding for free meals for school children. The budget still requires a formal vote by the full Legislature next week.
New York's state budget is delayed for almost three weeks due to disagreements among the governor, Senate majority leader, and Assembly speaker, particularly on issues of policy such as criminal justice and housing. Governor Kathy Hochul wants to include changes to the state's bail laws and housing policy, but her proposals met stiff opposition from lawmakers. The delay may affect the city's executive budget plan and other legislative issues.
Albany Democrats are giving themselves another week for state budget talks, as Gov. Kathy Hochul pushes to loosen limits on imposing bail and remanding people ahead of their trials. Hochul has faced pressure to "go Dark Kathy" by using her power to the max against Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins in hopes of pressuring them on a bail deal on Hochul's terms. However, she signaled that she will not pack the upcoming budget extender with controversial spending proposals.