Rep. Mark Harris Plans New Bills on Cashless Bail Policies
Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC) recently shared his intention to introduce two new bills aimed at limiting federal funding for jurisdictions that implement cashless bail policies or reduce police funding.
The proposed measures, titled No funds for lawless jurisdiction and Cashless bail reporting law, have garnered support from various colleagues, including Ralph Norman (R-SC), Chuck Edwards (R-NC), and others. Harris’s office noted that the timing coincides with a House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing focusing on violent crime in Charlotte.
This hearing, titled Victims of violent crimes, featured testimonies from local officials and families affected by violent crime. Harris referenced the murder of Iryna Zarutska during the discussion, emphasizing the implications of violent crime and voluntary bail practices in the area.
The proposed funding restrictions would prevent federal taxpayer money from supporting jurisdictions that allow cashless bail for violent offenders or foreign prisoners. The bills would specifically limit access to federal community-oriented policing services and certain local funding programs for jurisdictions adopting such policies. One supporter expressed, “Irina’s death is a preventable tragedy.”
The Cashless Bail Reporting Act would require the Department of Justice to maintain and regularly update a list of jurisdictions that have adopted cashless bail policies, aligning with President Trump’s Executive Order aimed at ending cashless bail to protect Americans. The goal here is to increase transparency surrounding local bail laws. The proposal cites several cases in New York City and Washington, D.C., where violent offenders were released without bail.
One notable case involved 34-year-old DeCarlos Brown Jr., who was released in January despite having 14 prior charges. The decision by Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes to release him is now facing scrutiny, with some seeking her removal. There’s a petition with over 29,000 signatures supporting this cause, including backing from Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC).
Earlier this month, a law known as “Iryna’s Law” passed in North Carolina. This legislation aims to reduce judicial discretion in pretrial release decisions and abolish cashless bail for certain offenses.
Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was tragically stabbed multiple times during a train incident on August 22. Video evidence showed Brown attacking her with a pocket knife, leading to his arrest and charges of first-degree murder.
In a statement regarding his bills, Harris remarked, “The US is facing a crime epidemic. Democrat-run cities prioritize criminals over victims. Irina Zarutska, killed not far from my district, exemplifies the many people let down by pro-crime Democrats. Cities that turn away from law enforcement measures and policies designed to combat crime shouldn’t expect federal support.”
