Failed to pass both houses, will not become law this session
In addition to data collection requirements, this bill would make draconian changes to state law relating to the cash bail system that ignore both the realities behind Wisconsin’s bail jumping prosecutions and the legal, economic, and human impact of cash bail. Under the bill, if a defendant has a previous conviction for bail jumping, they may only be released by executing a secured bond or paying at least $5,000 cash bail. This minimum bail amount would apply regardless of the nature of the pendant charge, the age of the previous bail jumping conviction, or whether the previous bail jumping conviction was a misdemeanor or a felony. If a defendant is accused of a “violent crime” and has a previous conviction for a violent crime, they may only be released by executing a secured bond or paying at least $10,000 cash bail.
