Kamala Harris wants to offer states funding to end âmoney bailâ systems that are often discriminatory
In her first signature legislative proposal as a U.S. senator representing California, Democrat Kamala Harris is offering states millions of dollars in grants if they abolish their âmoney bailâ systems.
The bill, introduced Thursday with Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), is called âThe Pretrial Integrity and Safety Act of 2017.âÂ
It would authorize a three-year, $10 million grant to states that reform or replace pretrial release processes that lean heavily on arbitrary cash and deposit bonds as a means to ensure defendants return to court for trial.Â
If successful, the grants could lead to a reduction in punitive bail practices that studies have shown historically and disproportionally disrupt the livelihoods of black and brown defendants.
âOur justice system was designed with a promise: to treat all people equally,â Harris, who previously served as California attorney general, said in a statement released with the bill. âIn our country, whether you stay in jail or not is wholly determined by whether youâre wealthy or not â and thatâs wrong.â Read more (7/20/17)
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