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 misdemeanor for first offenses and a felony for subsequent violations against the original victim or involving new acts of violence. Additionally, it mandates that courts consider various factors, including the nature of the original offense and the individual's compliance history, when deciding on pretrial detention or release.

Furthermore, the bill amends section 901.15 to authorize law enforcement officers to arrest individuals without a warrant if they are suspected of violating pretrial release conditions related to violent crimes. It also provides legal protection for officers from civil liability when making such arrests based on probable cause. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 397 Filed: 901.15