Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Bill To Strip Federal Funding From Soft-On-Crime Jurisdictions Eliminating Cash Bail

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 14, 2026) - Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced the No Bailouts for Cashless Bail Jurisdictions Act, legislation cutting off federal funding to any jurisdiction substantially eliminating cash bail as a condition of pretrial release for serious offenses. This bill puts every soft-on-crime city and state in America on notice: coddle criminals and lose federal taxpayer dollars.

"Cashless bail policies are a direct threat to public safety," said Congresswoman Mace. "When you let violent criminals walk out of jail with no financial incentives to comply with the conditions of their release, communities pay the price. Taxpayers should not be funding jurisdictions refusing to keep dangerous people off the streets. This bill is simple: eliminate cash bail, lose federal funding."

Across far-Left states, cashless bail policies are letting criminals walk free and costing lives:

• In Illinois, under Governor JB Pritzker's cashless bail law, an illegal immigrant accused of concealing and abusing the body of Megan Bos, a mother of two, walked free in less than 24 hours with no bail required. Unmonitored. Back to his home, the crime scene.
• In California, under Governor Gavin Newsom's cashless bail policies, a judge released a murder suspect and certified gang member charged with a gang-related shooting without a single cent in bail. Criminals walk free while California communities pay the price.
• In New York, under Governor Kathy Hochul, a Guatemalan national charged with selling THC-laced gummies which hospitalized a dozen middle schoolers was released with no bail required. He was also charged with selling cocaine and marijuana to an undercover officer. Four felonies. Two misdemeanors. Zero accountability.

This is what happens when left-wing policies prioritize criminals over the safety of law-abiding Americans.

Under the No Bailouts for Cashless Bail Jurisdictions Act, the Attorney General is required to determine which jurisdictions have substantially eliminated cash bail within 30 days of enactment and at least quarterly thereafter. All determinations and explanations must be made publicly available.

Jurisdictions found to behave substantially eliminated cash bail for covered offenses will lose federal funding for a minimum of 180 days. Funding may only be reinstated on the later of 180 days after the Attorney General's initial determination or the date the jurisdiction restores cash bail for covered offenses.

Covered offenses under the bill include crimes of violence, sex offenses, indecent acts, crimes involving moral turpitude, burglary, vandalism, looting, and any additional offense the Attorney General determines appropriate.

"Soft-on-crime policies have consequences and the American people are living them every day," Mace added. "Criminals are being handed a free pass while law-abiding citizens suffer. If a jurisdiction wants federal dollars, it needs to hold criminals accountable. No exceptions."

Rep. Mace's bill codifies President Trump's executive order, Taking Steps to End Cashless Bail to Protect Americans, cutting federal funding to cashless bail jurisdictions and advancing his mission to make America's streets safe again.

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