The White House has announced it will withhold federal funding from jurisdictions that implement cashless bail policies. This decision is part of a series of new federal actions detailed in a recent press release.
The executive order targets jurisdictions that have eliminated or significantly reduced the use of cash bail, which is traditionally used to ensure individuals charged with crimes appear for trial. According to the administration, this policy reflects a broader effort to align federal support with its public safety priorities.
Under the order, the Attorney General must submit a list of jurisdictions that have, in the administration’s view, substantially eliminated cash bail for offenses considered threats to public safety. These offenses include violent crimes, sexual offenses, burglary, looting, and vandalism. Federal agencies are directed to identify and potentially suspend or terminate funding, including grants and contracts currently allocated to these jurisdictions. This action is consistent with applicable laws and subject to appropriations and legal constraints.
According to NBC Chicago, Illinois became the first state to fully eliminate cash bail with the implementation of the SAFE-T Act in 2023. The law replaced monetary bail with a risk-based system, making pretrial detention decisions based on public safety and flight risk assessments.
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