Bill > HB1236

This bill, titled "Best Practices In Bond Setting," aims to revise Colorado's laws regarding bail and bond procedures, with a particular focus on ensuring public safety and court appearance while also clarifying definitions and processes. Key provisions include redefining "bail" as a security, which can include a bond with or without monetary conditions, to ensure public safety and court appearance, and updating the definition of "bond" to encompass bail bonds with potential monetary conditions. The bill expands the circumstances under which individuals can be denied bail, particularly for violent crimes, repeat offenders, and certain sex offenses, and mandates a hearing within 96 hours of arrest for bail denial. It also introduces requirements for risk assessment instruments to inform bail decisions, emphasizes the presumption of release on bond with least restrictive conditions, and outlines specific criteria for setting bond types and conditions, including financial considerations and individualized risk. Furthermore, the bill establishes stricter procedures for bail bond agents when real estate is used as security, requiring clear disclosures to property owners and outlining penalties for non-compliance, and revises procedures for handling bail forfeitures, particularly for compensated sureties, including a "board system" to track those prohibited from writing bonds due to unpaid judgments. Finally, it makes adjustments to bail procedures for juveniles and after conviction, aligning them with the updated pretrial release standards.