The state Senate Wednesday passed a version of a bond reform bill that previously passed the S.C. House in a legislative attempt to stop the “revolving door” for those charged with violent crimes who get out of jail, only to commit more crimes. The bill, recently dubbed “Catch and Release” bill, would create a system aimed at cracking down on individuals who commit crimes while they are out on bond.
“This bond reform bill addresses the dangerous catch and release of violent criminals through higher bonds and revocation of bond,” said S.C. Sen. Greg Hembree, R-Horry, in a statement. “This bill will make South Carolina safer.”
The bill has been a top priority for lawmakers this legislative season following public push for tougher laws regarding repeated violent offenders.
“I think this sends a strong message to the criminals out there that want to keep reoffending, and it’s going to tell them you need to stay in jail or quit committing crimes — one or the other,” freshman S.C. Sen. Brian Adams, R-Berkeley, told The Post and Courier. Adams has been one of the chief backers of the bill.
The move, which Gov. Henry McMaster pushed for passage earlier this week, is expected to go to a House-Senate conference committee to hammer out differences.
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