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Committee advances limits on charitable bail funding after testimony from Memphis bail fund director
Summary
HB1450 would cap community bail fund assistance (one release per person per year; $5,000 cap). Josh Spickler of Just City/Memphis testified opposition, citing a 98% court‑appearance rate and average bail of $3,500–$4,000; the committee sent the bill to Finance, Ways and Means (15–4).
Representative Bohm presented House Bill 14 50, which would restrict third‑party or charitable bail assistance by limiting any single charitable organization from bailing the same person out more than once per year and capping the amount such groups could post at $5,000.
Josh Spickler, executive director of Just City and representative of the Memphis Community Bail Fund, told the committee the fund is a charitable operation that posts full cash bail for low‑level bonds and then recovers the money when defendants appear. Spickler said the fund has an appearance rate "of more than 98%" across nearly 2,000 people served over eight years and that average amounts they have posted are "north of $3,500" with a $4,000 internal limit. He warned the bill could curtail community alternatives that help people remain with families and keep jobs while their cases proceed.
Members asked follow‑up questions about how criminal forfeiture proceeds are handled when vehicles are seized under other bills discussed the same day; legal staff said criminal forfeiture proceeds typically pay lienholders and then revert to the seizing agency after sale. After debate and witness testimony, the committee voted 15 ayes and 4 nos to send HB1450 as amended to Finance, Ways and Means.
The bill will next go to Finance for a fiscal review and potential amendments addressing operational concerns raised by nonprofits and proponents about limiting community bail options.
