The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will hold a virtual briefing on February 26, 2021,
on bail reform in the United States. The Commission’s investigation seeks to examine
the state of bail and pretrial detention practices, including the involvement of the
private bail industry, various mechanisms for reform, and the potential regulatory role
of the federal government. The Commission will evaluate how cash bail impacts the fair
administration of justice and whether it operates in a manner that denies equal
protection of the law to individuals on the basis of race or another protected class.
At this public briefing, Commissioners will hear from subject matter experts such as
government officials, academics, law enforcement professionals, advocates, and
impacted persons. The Commission will accept written materials from the public for
consideration as we prepare our report; submit to bailreform@usccr.gov no later than
March 26, 2021.