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Why Bail Reform Could Backfire: A Bondsman's Perspective
Published by Future Bail Bonds | Updated June 12, 2025
As California weighs SB 562, a new bill that would require bail bond companies to refund most of the premium if no charges are filed, many see the legislation as a win for fairness. But from inside the bail industry, there’s growing concern that this well-intentioned reform could lead to serious unintended consequences—both for public safety and for the small businesses that serve local communities.
What SB 562 Proposes
The bill would mandate that bail agencies return all but 10% of their fee if the district attorney declines to file charges. Supporters argue it protects defendants from paying for services they "didn’t need." But critics worry it will:
- Destabilize an already heavily regulated industry
- Discourage agents from helping lower-risk or low-bail clients
- Encourage longer pretrial detentions for people who can’t pay upfront
What the Data Shows
One of the most overlooked aspects of the bail debate is what happens after release. Data shows that people released on bond are far more likely to appear in court than those released on their own recognizance or through pretrial services.
- Released on Bond: 8% failure-to-appear rate
- OR Release: 22% failure-to-appear rate
- Supervised Release: 17% failure-to-appear rate
Bail agents track, remind, and ensure defendants attend court—functions that may disappear or underperform in government-run systems without financial accountability.
Impact on Local Bail Agencies
Beyond public safety, SB 562 would likely lead to mass closures of small, family-owned bail agencies. These firms already operate on thin margins and carry substantial financial risk with each bond.
- Small firms: Projected 60% revenue loss
- Mid-size firms: 45% revenue loss
- Large firms: 25% revenue loss
This would hurt not just agents, but clerical staff, call center workers, and local economies dependent on the bail industry for employment and tax revenue.
Reform Needs Accountability—Not Abandonment
The bail industry isn’t perfect. But replacing it without accountability creates new problems. Reform should include:
- Clear risk-based bail guidelines
- Stronger oversight of premium structures—not elimination
- Public-private cooperation to maintain defendant compliance
Removing bail doesn’t remove risk—it removes responsibility. The conversation must be about improving the system, not gutting it.
Future Bail Bonds: Standing for Responsible Reform
At Future Bail Bonds, we support reasonable efforts to improve pretrial justice. But we also believe in transparency, accountability, and the value of private agents who help thousands of families every year. We invite policymakers and citizens alike to see the whole picture before making irreversible decisions.
For questions or media interviews, call 714-515-5154 or visit FutureBailBonds.com.
