District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 5214
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5214Crimes against propertyViolent crime
District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act of 2025
INTRO SEP 8· LAST ACTION NOV 20
READING
8MIN
COSPONSORS
3
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters to voters because it directly impacts the balance between public safety and individual freedom within the District of Columbia's justice system. If it becomes law, it would mean more people accused of certain serious crimes, like specific types of violent burglaries or robberies, would be held in jail automatically before trial, rather than being released. For other offenses, such as fleeing police or property damage, it would require a financial payment (cash bail) for release, which could mean longer jail stays for those who cannot afford it, regardless of their guilt or innocence.
Voters should care because these changes could lead to an increase in the D.C. jail population and potentially affect individuals' ability to prepare their legal defense or maintain employment while awaiting trial. It reflects a shift towards a more punitive approach to pretrial release for specific offenses, aiming to prevent further crime, but also raising questions about the fairness and equity of the justice system, especially for low-income residents.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Requires judges to order mandatory pretrial detention for anyone charged with a 'crime of violence' or a 'dangerous crime' in D.C.
This removes judicial discretion, ensuring that individuals accused of these specific serious offenses are kept in jail before trial.
PROVISION 02
Requires judges to order mandatory post-conviction detention for anyone convicted of a 'crime of violence' or a 'dangerous crime' in D.C.
This ensures that individuals convicted of these serious crimes are kept in jail after conviction, removing exceptions for release.
PROVISION 03
Mandates cash bail (a 'secured appearance bond') for individuals charged with 'public safety or order crimes.'
This means release for these offenses is contingent on a financial payment, impacting those who cannot afford bail.
PROVISION 04
Expands the definitions of 'dangerous crime' and 'crime of violence' to include specific types of burglary and robbery, such as those involving a dangerous weapon or in the first degree.
This ensures a broader range of serious property crimes fall under the mandatory detention requirements of the bill.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 879. (consideration: CR H4796-4800)
FLOOR
NOV 19
Rule provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 80, H.J. Res. 130, H.J. Res. 131, H. Con. Res. 58, H.R. 1949, H.R. 3109, H.R. 5107 and H.R. 5214. The resolution provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 80, H.J. Res. 130, H.J. Res. 131, H. Con. Res. 58, H.R. 1949, H.R. 3109, H.R. 5107, and H.R. 5214 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution also provides for one motion to recommit on H.J. Res. 130, H.J. Res. 131, H.R. 1949, H.R. 3109, H.R. 5107, and H.R. 5214, and one motion to commit S.J. Res. 80.
HOUSE · FLOOR
NOV 19
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5214.
This bill matters to voters because it directly impacts the balance between public safety and individual freedom within the District of Columbia's justice system. If it becomes law, it would mean more people accused of certain serious crimes, like specific types of violent burglaries or robberies, would be held in jail automatically before trial, rather than being released. For other offenses, such as fleeing police or property damage, it would require a financial payment (cash bail) for release, which could mean longer jail stays for those who cannot afford it, regardless of their guilt or innocence.
Voters should care because these changes could lead to an increase in the D.C. jail population and potentially affect individuals' ability to prepare their legal defense or maintain employment while awaiting trial. It reflects a shift towards a more punitive approach to pretrial release for specific offenses, aiming to prevent further crime, but also raising questions about the fairness and equity of the justice system, especially for low-income residents.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires judges to order mandatory pretrial detention for anyone charged with a 'crime of violence' or a 'dangerous crime' in D.C.
This removes judicial discretion, ensuring that individuals accused of these specific serious offenses are kept in jail before trial.
high
Requires judges to order mandatory post-conviction detention for anyone convicted of a 'crime of violence' or a 'dangerous crime' in D.C.
This ensures that individuals convicted of these serious crimes are kept in jail after conviction, removing exceptions for release.
high
Mandates cash bail (a 'secured appearance bond') for individuals charged with 'public safety or order crimes.'
This means release for these offenses is contingent on a financial payment, impacting those who cannot afford bail.
med
Expands the definitions of 'dangerous crime' and 'crime of violence' to include specific types of burglary and robbery, such as those involving a dangerous weapon or in the first degree.
This ensures a broader range of serious property crimes fall under the mandatory detention requirements of the bill.
GLOSSARY
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Pretrial Detention
When a person accused of a crime is held in jail before their trial, rather than being released.
Post-Conviction Detention
When a person found guilty of a crime is held in jail after their conviction, often awaiting sentencing or appeal.
Cash Bail
Money or property that an accused person must pay to the court to be released from jail, with the promise that they will appear for future court dates. If they don't show up, the money or property can be forfeited.
Secured Appearance Bond
A formal agreement to forfeit property (including money) if an accused person fails to appear in court, with the property or a percentage of the money posted with the court as a guarantee.
Crime of Violence
A legal term for offenses that involve physical force or a serious risk of physical force against another person, such as assault, murder, or certain types of robbery and burglary.
Dangerous Crime
A legal term for offenses that pose a threat to the safety of the community or individuals, including certain types of burglary, robbery, and other serious offenses.
Public Safety or Order Crime
ACTION TIMELINE
18 EVENTS
NOV 20, 25
Received in the Senate.
INTROREFERRAL
NOV 19, 25
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 879. (consideration: CR H4796-4800)
FLOOR
NOV 19, 25
Rule provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 80, H.J. Res. 130, H.J. Res. 131, H. Con. Res. 58, H.R. 1949, H.R. 3109, H.R. 5107 and H.R. 5214. The resolution provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 80, H.J. Res. 130, H.J. Res. 131, H. Con. Res. 58, H.R. 1949, H.R. 3109, H.R. 5107, and H.R. 5214 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution also provides for one motion to recommit on H.J. Res. 130, H.J. Res. 131, H.R. 1949, H.R. 3109, H.R. 5107, and H.R. 5214, and one motion to commit S.J. Res. 80.
FLOOR
NOV 19, 25
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5214.
A new category of crimes defined in this bill, including offenses like failing to appear in court, obstruction of justice, fleeing from police, rioting, destruction of property, stalking, and lesser forms of burglary or robbery.
Roll Call #298
On Passage
PassedRequires ½ majority
237 Yes179 No17 NV
237 Yes179 No17 NV
Requires: Simple MajorityD majority: noR majority: yes
