This bill amends Kansas law regarding the pretrial release of individuals charged with specific drug-related offenses. It establishes a mandatory bail requirement of at least $50,000 cash or surety for these offenses and prohibits release on recognizance. Instead, it introduces unsecured judicial release programs, which can only be granted if the court determines the defendant is not likely to re-offend, imposes pretrial supervision, or the defendant agrees to participate in a licensed drug treatment program. The bill also removes the option for release on the individual's own recognizance, emphasizing the need for secured release in these cases.

Additionally, the bill revises the conditions under which individuals charged with crimes may be released pending trial, including the introduction of an intensive pretrial supervision program. It specifies that for felonies, the magistrate may impose conditions such as drug and alcohol evaluations and allows for two-way electronic audio-video communication for proceedings regarding release conditions. The bill prohibits the imposition of administrative fees and requires the magistrate to consider various factors when determining release conditions. Furthermore, it establishes unsecured judicial release and supervised release programs administered by court services officers, with eligibility criteria that exclude individuals charged with serious offenses like murder and aggravated assault, aiming to enhance public safety and the judicial process.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 21-5703, 65-4161, 65-4163, 21-36a05, 21-5709, 21-5710, 21-5910, 21-5915, 21-6316, 21-6329, 22-2802, 22-2803, 22-2814, 22-2815, 21-5505, 21-5506, 22-2816, 22-2817