California voters rejected 'zero bail.' Now lawmakers weigh new overhaul of system

[Carlitos Brigante]

https://www.yahoo.com/news/california-voters-rejected-zero-bail-120055093.html

The national bail industry that spent $10 million to defeat a “zero bail” measure on last November's ballot is lobbying hard against the new proposed legislation and warns it will sue if the bill passes because it would put them out of business.

The threat comes after state Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys) recently amended his bill to remove a zero bail requirement for many less serious offenses.

Lacking the votes in the Assembly to eliminate bail, Hertzberg changed his legislation to instead require judges to determine whether cash bail is necessary to reasonably protect the public. If the court determines bail is necessary, the judge would be required to determine a defendant's ability to pay bail before setting it.

Judges must also order the return of money paid to a bail company if charges are dropped or the defendant makes all court appearances.

[msongs]

1. judges, courts, bailbonds - its a racket of parasites and leeches nt

[jimfields33]

2. True. But the voters voted to keep the system

[ColinC]

3. Based largely on ads funded by the bail system

Our direct democracy is overwhelmingly influenced by those with the most money. Half the people voting no on the referendum likely thought they were ending cash bail. Just like they thought they were supporting rent control when they effectively kept it illegal.

Pay the legislators to legislate, and let voters focus on their day jobs.