The bill establishes new guidelines for pretrial bond amounts specifically for certain violent felonies in Iowa. It mandates that courts must consider the potential danger a defendant poses to others or their property when setting bond amounts. The bill outlines minimum bond amounts for various felony classifications: $500,000 for class A felonies, $25,000 for class B forcible felonies, $10,000 for class C forcible felonies, and $5,000 for class D forcible felonies. These amounts are presumed reasonable but can be adjusted based on the defendant's financial situation and other relevant factors.
Additionally, the bill stipulates that the court must require a bail bond with sufficient surety or a cash deposit in lieu of bond. It allows for the presumption of bond amounts to be rebutted if it can be shown that the amounts are excessive for ensuring the defendant's appearance or the safety of others. The court is required to document its findings on the record when making adjustments to bond amounts, particularly in cases involving violent crimes, where the safety of victims and the community must be given substantial weight.