Press Release

Sens. Hertzberg and Skinner and Asm. Bonta Celebrate Supreme Court Decision on Bail

State Senate Majority Leader Bob Hertzberg, Senator Nancy Skinner, and Assemblymember Rob Bonta issued the following statements today, celebrating the California Supreme Court’s ruling that the state’s money bail system is unconstitutional:

“We are thrilled with this morning’s California Supreme Court unanimous ruling that the current money bail system is unconstitutional on the grounds that it detains people charged with a crime behind bars simply because they cannot afford to post bail pending their trial. As legislative leaders in the fight against this unjust, cruel and unconstitutional money bail system, and authors of this year’s Senate Bill 262 and Assembly Bill 329, which endeavor to reform money bail, we are committed to the enforcement of the new ruling and to maximizing its impact.” — Joint statement.

“Hallelujah! We knew this day would come. Cash bail is unjust, and what the court made clear is that cash bail does not work. It does not make us safer, it wastes tax payer money, and it is discriminatory. We still have more to do, but this is a great day.” – Senate Majority Leader Hertzberg

“Today’s decision declaring California’s money bail system unconstitutional is a great victory for justice and equity. I applaud the court’s decision and thank Mr. Humphrey for his courage in fighting for himself and the thousands of Californians who are now sitting in jail awaiting trial simply because they could not afford bail.” — Sen. Skinner.

“Today’s ruling is significant. The jail house door shouldn’t swing open or closed based on how much money you have in your pocket. If I’m fortunate enough to be confirmed as Attorney General, I look forward to working together with law enforcement agencies as California implements this important change.” — Assemblymember Bonta.