District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act
Last recorded step: House, Nov 20, 2025.
Nothing scheduled on the calendars we hold.
This bill would require detention for violent crimes and mandate cash bail for public safety offenses in the District of Columbia.
What it does
This bill would mandate pretrial and post-conviction detention for individuals charged with or convicted of crimes of violence and dangerous crimes in the District of Columbia. It proposes to prohibit courts from releasing defendants charged with public safety or order crimes, such as stalking or rioting, unless they provide a secured appearance bond in the form of money or property. Additionally, the measure would require that individuals convicted of violent or dangerous crimes remain detained while awaiting sentencing or an appeal.
Who is affected
This bill directly affects individuals in the District of Columbia who are charged with or convicted of crimes of violence, dangerous crimes, or public safety and order crimes, such as stalking, rioting, or fleeing law enforcement. It also impacts the District of Columbia court system and judges, who would be required to mandate detention or secured appearance bonds rather than utilizing discretionary release assessments for these specific offenses. Additionally, law enforcement agencies in the District are affected by the revised requirements for pretrial and post-conviction detention of defendants.
Key provisions
- Mandatory pretrial detention for violent and dangerous crimes. Requires defendants in the District of Columbia charged with a crime of violence or a dangerous crime to be detained while awaiting trial.
- Cash bail requirement for public safety or order crimes. Prohibits courts from releasing defendants charged with public safety or order crimes, such as stalking or rioting, without a secured appearance bond involving money or property.
- Mandatory detention following conviction. Requires individuals convicted of a crime of violence or a dangerous crime to be detained while awaiting sentencing or an appeal.
Fiscal impact
- H.R. 5214, District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act of 2025· As ordered reported by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on September 10, 2025
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
This bill modifies existing District of Columbia law regarding pretrial and post-conviction release. It replaces current judicial discretion and rebuttable presumptions for detention with mandatory detention requirements for crimes of violence and dangerous crimes, and it introduces a new requirement for secured appearance bonds for public safety or order crimes.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to reform the District of Columbia's judicial procedures by mandating pretrial and post-conviction detention for individuals charged with or convicted of crimes of violence and dangerous crimes. It further seeks to require the use of secured appearance bonds, such as cash or property, as a condition for the pretrial release of defendants charged with public safety or order crimes.