The proposed bill, titled the "Victim Safety in Pretrial Release Act," aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding pretrial release conditions for individuals charged with specified violent crimes. It establishes a new section, 903.0472, which stipulates that individuals on pretrial release who willfully violate their conditions will commit a separate criminal offense. The bill outlines penalties for such violations, including a first-degree misdemeanor for initial offenses and a third-degree felony for subsequent violations against the original victim or new acts of violence. Additionally, the bill mandates that courts consider various factors, including the nature of the original offense and the defendant's compliance history, when determining pretrial detention or release.

Furthermore, the bill amends section 901.15 to authorize law enforcement officers to arrest individuals without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe that a person has violated pretrial release conditions related to violent crimes. It also provides legal protection for officers against civil liability when making such arrests. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 397 Filed: 901.15