ACLU of Connecticut Applauds Passage of Bail Reform Legislation

HARTFORD — The Connecticut General Assembly’s Senate this morning voted to approve Governor’s H.B. 7044, a bail reform bill. Today’s vote follows a nonpartisan vote to approve the measure in the House of Representatives. Following today’s passage by the Senate, the bill now awaits action from Governor Dannel Malloy. The following is a reaction from David McGuire, executive director of the ACLU of Connecticut:

“Last year, justice was deferred on bail reform. This year, justice prevailed. Our Constitution promises equal treatment under the law, which means nobody should be in jail just because they are poor. With today’s vote, Connecticut has come one step closer toward making the promises of our Constitution a reality. The reforms passed by the legislature today will curb the injustice faced by poor people and, disproportionately, by people of color, who are held in jail pre-trial not because they pose a risk to society, but because they can’t afford bail. Together, the end of money bail and elimination of the one-size-fits-all approach to setting bail for people charged with misdemeanors are a historic victory for equality, racial justice, and public safety.”