The bail reform movement has been around for decades but is taking on new life as proposals are being introduced in a growing number of states. Ohio is one of the latest states to consider the issue, in the form of House Bill 439. Supporters say bail reform will lead to fewer defendants being held in jail simply because they can’t afford to pay. Critics say the idea is good, but, as the movement has grown, there have been problems associated with it.
Joining us to talk about bail reform are American Bail Coalition Executive Director Jeff Clayton; CEO of the Pretrial Justice Institute, Cherise Burdeen; and State Representative Jonathan Dever from Madeira, one of the two lawmakers who introduced Ohio’s bail reform bill.