California Assembly Bill 42 Opposition
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) April 24, 2017 -- All-Pro Bail Bonds is leading the fight against proposed legislation that could eliminate the bail industry, drive up taxes, and increase crime in the state of California, according to Steffan Gibbs, CEO of All-Pro Bail Bonds. Assembly Bill 42 would allow state judges to decide if someone should be released on their own recognizance or kept behind bars because they are too dangerous to be set free.
The bill is modeled after one in New Jersey. Proponents say it would keep defendants who can’t afford bail from being held indefinitely before the trial process. Opponents say the bill comes with a hefty price tag and safety concerns. Opponents of the proposed bill feel it would require counties to conduct pre-trial assessments to determine whether someone arrested is a safety threat or at risk not to show up for court. Based on that, the judges would decide whether to release the inmate. While the legislation is aimed at reducing jail costs and overcrowding, critics say it is extremely expensive to implement. Steffan Gibbs, CEO of All-Pro Bail Bonds says, “a study by Towson University shows the annual cost to operate a pre-trial division in New Jersey is $215 million. This money comes from the New Jersey taxpayers. If this legislation passes in California, which is four times larger, you can imagine annual costs of no less than $860 million.”
Gibbs is also concerned about the safety risks. Early results in New Jersey show an increase in crimes committed by people who were released on their own recognizance. Gibbs spoke to two San Diego television stations, kusi.com and nbcsandiego.com about the bill.
The bill has already passed committees in the state senate and state assembly. At a hearing regarding AB 42 on Tuesday, April 18th, more than 150 bail agents voiced their opposition to the bill. In addition, lawmakers involved in the process received more than 100 letters opposing the measure. Now it moves to the Committee on Appropriations.
Besides the bail bond industry, the legislation is opposed by a number of law enforcement officials, including the district attorneys in San Diego and Los Angeles and the California Attorneys’ Association.
Erika Struzzieri, All-Pro Bail Bonds, http://www.allprobailbond.com/, +1 619-964-9661, [email protected]
Share this article