Violent felony suspects would need cash bail for serious officer injuries

A court would allow release on bail only through a cash deposit. This applies to people arrested for or charged with certain violent felonies, when the charge involves serious injury or death to an officer. The charged offense must have caused serious injury or death to a law enforcement officer. Before release, the court must review the written basis for the arrest and hold a public hearing. This proposed bail rule would take effect July 1, 2026.

The state would include a person convicted of the covered offense in its sex or violent offender category. The offense must cause serious injury or death to a law enforcement officer acting as part of the officer’s job. An exception elsewhere in state law may apply. This proposed definition would take effect July 1, 2026.

A judge could weigh serious injury or death to an officer when choosing a sentence. This applies when an offense causes serious injury or death to a law enforcement officer. The judge may weigh this factor; a higher sentence is not automatic. This proposed sentencing rule would take effect July 1, 2026.

A judge could not consider certain time a defendant spent under restrictions before sentencing. This applies when the crime caused serious injury or death to a law enforcement officer. This proposed sentencing rule would take effect July 1, 2026.