District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act of 2025

Sponsor: Elise M. Stefanik (Republican-NY)September 8, 2025

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Received in the Senate.

Requires mandatory jail time or cash bail for certain crimes in Washington D.C.

This bill would change how people accused of certain crimes in Washington D.C. are released before trial or after conviction. It would require mandatory jail time for those charged with or convicted of violent or dangerous crimes. For other public safety offenses, it would require cash bail.

What Would Change

Today, judges in Washington D.C. can decide if someone accused of a crime can be released before trial, often looking for the least restrictive options. This bill would remove that choice for violent and dangerous crimes, requiring mandatory jail time. For other public safety offenses, it would require cash bail, where none is currently mandated.

Key Provisions

Requires judges to keep people charged with violent or dangerous crimes in jail before their trial.
Requires judges to keep people convicted of violent or dangerous crimes in jail after their conviction.
Expands what counts as a "dangerous crime" or "crime of violence" to include specific types of burglary and robbery.
Requires cash bail for people charged with "public safety or order crimes."
Defines "public safety or order crimes" to include offenses like rioting, fleeing from police, and certain types of burglary or robbery.
Defines "secured appearance bond" as cash or property posted with the court, or a bail bond.