States and local governments would risk losing federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants — money used to fund police, courts, and crime-prevention programs — if they limit the use of cash bail for people charged with certain offenses. The bill applies to violent and sexual offenses like murder, rape, and robbery, but also to a broader set of "public disorder" offenses, including vandalism, looting, rioting, and fleeing from police. Any jurisdiction with a law or policy that substantially limits cash bail as a condition of release for these offenses would become ineligible for the grant funding starting the first fiscal year after enactment. The change effectively pressures states and cities that have adopted cashless bail reforms to roll them back or lose federal justice funding.
Criminal Justice & Due Process
- Covered-offense definition — Includes non-violent conduct like vandalism, rioting, and fleeing police alongside violent and sexual offenses, broadening the mandatory-bail category
- State and local bail-policy discretion — Byrne JAG grant eligibility conditioned on maintaining cash bail for all covered offenses
Congressional Summary
No Federal Funds for Cashless Bail ActThis bill prohibits the receipt of funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program by a state or local government that has in effect a law or policy that substantially limits cash bail for individuals who are charged with certain criminal offenses that pose a clear threat to public safety and order.Under the bill, the criminal offenses that pose a threat to public safety and order include criminal offenses involving a violent or sexual act (e.g., burglary, murder, or rape) and offenses that promote public disorder (e.g., looting or vandalism).
Legislative Subjects
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Reported to House
- Action Date
- 2026-05-04
- Date Added
- 2026-07-10
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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