Senate Approves Bail Reform Bill

In Annapolis Monday night, the Maryland Senate approved a bill supporters believe will comply with an order form the Maryland Court of Appeals to provide attorneys for poor defendants at bail hearings.

The vote was 37-9, on a bill that faces an uncertain future in the House of Delegates.

It would replace bail commissioners, who conduct the initial hearing, with an automated system, and police, and corrections officials could order a person held based on a person's criminal history.
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