Senate approves bill making changes to bail scheduling, pretrial releases

The Iowa Senate approved a measure setting restrictions on bail scheduling and pretrial releases as part of House Republicans’ “tough on crime” agenda. The amended measure requires judges to provide written justification for deviating from uniform bond schedules and sets restrictions on bail for certain charges. While senators largely approved the change, concerns were raised about the potential increase in jail populations and costs to taxpayers. The measure will now return to the House for further consideration before potentially heading to the governor’s desk.