STATEHOUSE (Feb. 1, 2022) – The Indiana House of Representatives advanced legislation authored by State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) with bipartisan support that would add more accountability to charitable bail organizations in the state.
Her bill would require such organizations paying bail on behalf of defendants to be certified by the Indiana Department of Insurance just like any other bail organization. Also, the bill would limit the amount of bail that nonprofit bail groups can post to a maximum of $2,000 for indigent clients charged with misdemeanors only.
"It's commendable that these groups want to help people who have not been convicted of a crime and can't afford bail to get out of jail until they have their day in court," Mayfield said. "At the same time, there needs to be better regulation to ensure parity among bail providers, and that they are subject to the same scrutiny and enforcement as others who operate in a highly regulated bail industry."
Charitable bail organizations have come under increased scrutiny lately, especially in Indianapolis. The Bail Project, a nonprofit that provides free bail assistance, helped three defendants get out of jail there who went on to be accused of committing violent crimes, including murder. This prompted Marion County's criminal court judges to suspend an agreement they had with the organization until receiving information on all defendants they've provided bail for since 2018, among other data requests. Charitable bail organizations currently operate in Indiana without limits or oversight.
Mayfield's bill would also require Indiana's Office of Judicial Administration to add a field to its statewide case management system that would allow a search for an entity that pays bail for an individual.
House Bill 1300 now moves to the Indiana Senate for further consideration. Watch session and view legislation at iga.in.gov.
-30-
State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Morgan and Monroe counties.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
