Cashless Bail Reporting Act
Last recorded step: House, May 18, 2026.
Nothing scheduled on the calendars we hold.
Would require the Department of Justice to annually list state and local governments that allow cashless pretrial release for certain crimes.
This summary may be out of date
Last regenerated The bill has had legislative action since.
What it does
This bill would require the Department of Justice to publish an annual list of state and local governments that allow pretrial release on personal recognizance or unsecured appearance bonds for certain criminal offenses. The reporting requirement would apply to jurisdictions that permit such releases for crimes considered a threat to public safety, including violent or sexual acts such as murder and rape, as well as offenses like burglary, looting, and vandalism. This measure would codify reporting requirements similar to those established by a 2025 executive order regarding jurisdictions that have substantially eliminated cash bail.
Who is affected
The bill affects the Department of Justice, which is required to compile and publish annual lists regarding pretrial release policies. State and local governments are also affected, as their bail practices for specific criminal offenses—such as violent acts, sexual acts, burglary, looting, and vandalism—will be subject to federal reporting. Additionally, the legislation impacts individuals charged with these specific offenses who are seeking release pending trial on personal recognizance or unsecured appearance bonds.
Key provisions
- Annual reporting on state and local bail practices. The Department of Justice is required to publish a yearly list of state and local governments that allow pretrial release on personal recognizance or unsecured appearance bonds for individuals charged with specific criminal offenses.
- Identification of offenses posing threats to public safety. The reporting requirement applies to jurisdictions that permit the release of individuals charged with violent or sexual acts, such as murder, rape, or burglary, as well as offenses that promote public disorder like looting or vandalism.
Fiscal impact
- H.R. 5625, Cashless Bail Reporting Act· As ordered reported by the House Committee on the Judiciary on December 18, 2025
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
The bill codifies reporting requirements similar to those established by a 2025 executive order, which directed the Department of Justice to identify jurisdictions that have substantially eliminated cash bail for certain criminal offenses.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to increase transparency regarding pretrial release policies by requiring the Department of Justice to annually identify state and local governments that allow individuals charged with violent, sexual, or public disorder offenses to be released on personal recognizance or unsecured bonds. This reporting requirement aligns with executive efforts to monitor jurisdictions that have substantially eliminated cash bail for crimes deemed a threat to public safety.