Republicans on the Iowa House Public Safety Committee have advanced a bill they say would strengthen and standardize the state’s bail system.
House Study Bill 641 would establish statewide standards for how bail is determined. Under the proposal, judges would be required to follow the bond amount listed on an arrest warrant unless there is a compelling reason to change it. Any change would have to be explained in writing.
The bill would also limit who can be released without posting bail. Only those charged with nonviolent, non-drug misdemeanors would qualify. Individuals accused of violent crimes, weapons offenses or drug-related crimes would be required to post bail before release.
For the most serious offenses, the standard bond schedule would no longer automatically apply. Instead, a judge would be required to evaluate the case and any potential risk to the public before setting bail.
Republicans say the measure would create consistency and improve public safety. Democrats on the committee voted against the bill and proposed an amendment to narrow it to an updated bond schedule.
The bill now moves forward for further consideration in the House.
