A change, years in the making, gives Utah’s judges more information about those accused of a crime before deciding if that person must post bail.
While the courts see the new risk assessments as responsible reform, the bail bond industry is critical, because it is expected to result in fewer people having to pay to be released from jail pending a trial.
The change quietly went into effect May 29, about seven months after Utah’s Legislature voted to halt the reform, saying lawmakers should have some say in the matter. Court officials said then — and affirmed last week — that the vote wouldn’t change their plans.