May. 12, 2026
HARRISBURG – Rep. Tim Bonner (R-Mercer/Butler) introduced a resolution he believes can be the first step in creating a uniform bail process across Pennsylvania.
House Resolution 519 calls for the Pennsylvania Sentencing Commission to gather data from all 67 Pennsylvania counties and develop fair, consistent bail setting recommendations to assist courts across the Commonwealth.
“Article 1, Section 14, of the Pennsylvania Constitution establishes the right to bail for those accused of crimes so that the accused, who is presumed innocent at this stage, can remain free unless he or she poses a danger to the community or a risk of not showing for court proceedings,” Bonner said. “However, there is little consistency in the setting of a bail by a judge.”
Bail is the condition set by a judge that allows an accused person to remain free while ensuring they return to court.
Bonner noted that the lack of uniform standards has led to significant inconsistencies in how bail is set across Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.
“The unpredictable setting of bail by the courts has caused significant complaints as to racial, gender, age and income bias,” Bonner said. “House Resolution 519 is meant to bring fairness and justice to the setting of bail across Pennsylvania so that the accused’s constitutional rights are protected and the victim and the community have confidence that their safety and welfare are at the forefront of the proceedings in our criminal justice system.”
If House Resolution 519 is approved, the Pennsylvania Sentencing Commission would develop statewide bail setting recommendations and submit them to the House of Representatives for review and consideration.
House Resolution 519 has been submitted to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.
Representative Tim Bonner
17th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andrew Forgotch
717.772.9905
aforgotch@pahousegop.com
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