Florida to curb pre-trial options, proposed law is a gift to bail bonds industry

[Roland99]

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-03-26/news/os-jail-cost-orange-20110326_1_local-jails-pretrial-release-programs-county-jails

Gov. Rick Scott has proposed shifting a $4.4 million state pretrial intervention program to local public-safety officials, and separate bills pending in the Legislature would curb county-based pretrial release options.
Advertisement

Both moves, if adopted, could mean more inmates staying longer in county jails, said Sarrah K. Carroll, who tracks public-safety issues for the Florida Association of Counties.

...

The industry has another reason to back Dorworth's proposal because "bail bondsmen are likely to see an increase in revenue if the bill becomes law," a legislative staff analysis of the measure states.

Orange County's public-affairs director Mark Jefferies said that curbing the local pre-trial release program could mean an average of 274 more inmates staying in its jail each day. As of Friday, Orange's holding facility had 3,313 inmates, with a capacity of 4,105.

Was listening to Alex Sink who 96.5FM had on the phone. ugh...what horrid mistake Dick Scott is

[Roland99]

1. Here's the House bill

http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2011/1379