HARRISBURG – A resolution has been introduced by Rep. Tim Bonner of Mercer & Butler Counties creating a uniform bail process across PA. House Resolution 519 calls for the PA Sentencing Commission to gather data from all 67 PA counties and develop fair, consistent bail setting recommendations to assist courts across the state. Bail is the condition set by a judge that allows an accused person to remain free while ensuring they return to court. Bonner noted that the lack of uniform standards has led to significant inconsistencies in how bail is set across PA’s 67 counties. The measure is meant to bring fairness and justice to the setting of bail across PA so that the accused’s constitutional rights are protected and the victim and the community have confidence that their safety and welfare are at the forefront of the proceedings in our criminal justice system. If approved, the Commission would develop statewide bail setting recommendations and submit them to the PA House for review. The resolution has been submitted to the House Judiciary Committee.
REP. TIM BONNER