Congress·In Progress·H.R. 5213

Congress Proposes Cutting Federal Grants for Cities That Limit Cash Bail for Violent Crimes

Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act

2 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

This bill, introduced by Ms. Stefanik, would stop the federal government from giving certain justice grants to states or cities that limit the use of cash bail. These grants are a major source of federal money used by local police departments and court systems.
To keep receiving this money, local governments would be required to allow cash bail for people charged with specific crimes. This includes violent acts like murder, rape, and robbery, as well as other offenses like looting, vandalism, and fleeing from police officers.
The policy aims to discourage local governments from releasing people accused of dangerous crimes back into the community without requiring them to pay money to stay out of jail while waiting for their trial.
If this bill becomes law, the new rules would take effect on the first October 1 after it is signed. Any city or state that has laws 'substantially limiting' cash bail for these specific crimes would lose their eligibility for these federal funds.

Criminal Justice

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

Mixed Impacts(1)

Criminal Record

Neutral

People charged with violent crimes would face cash bail requirements, making it harder to get out of jail before trial.

Milestones

3 milestones4 actions

Jan 8, 2026House

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 10.

Jan 8, 2026House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Sep 8, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Sep 8, 2025

Introduced in House

Related News

5 articles

Washington Times·6 months ago

Elise Stefanik pushes bill to end cashless bail across the country

Rep. Elise Stefanik introduced the Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act to prohibit federal justice grants to states or local governments that limit cash bail for serious offenses. The bill targets jurisdictions with 'soft-on-crime' policies that release violent offenders without bail.

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FingerLakes1.com·6 months ago

Stefanik, Blackburn push bills to end cashless bail nationwide

The Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act would cut off federal funding for local governments that support cashless bail policies. Supporters argue the move is a response to rising crime, while critics say the system unfairly punishes low-income defendants.

CWB Chicago·7 months ago

GOP senator introduces bill to cut off funding for states with cashless bail

The Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act would bar Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants from going to states or cities that restrict cash bail for certain offenses. The bill defines covered offenses to include murder, rape, robbery, carjacking, and burglary.