State Constitutional Right to Bail
In the last decade, six states have amended their constitutional provisions impacting pretrial release. Some of these amendments focus on eligibility for preventive detention while two more recent amendments addressed factors that could be considered by judges when determining bail. Learn about state constitutional approaches.
Related: NCSL Pretrial Fellows Program
Artificial Intelligence and Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies across the country are increasingly encountering and adopting technology equipped with AI. State and federal policymakers are balancing the benefits of using AI with constitutional and privacy concerns. NCSL’s new report covers state and federal actions, and examples of how law enforcement are deploying this new technology. Read the report on federal actions and AI.
Related: NCSL Policing Legislation Database
Law Enforcement Legislation: Significant 2024 Trends
Nearly every state introduced legislation impacting some aspect of policing in 2024, with more than 1,600 bills being introduced in legislatures across the country. Just under 400 bills were enacted in 2024, representing changes from hiring and retention of officers to new training and technology. Learn about law enforcement legislation changes.
Reentry Legislation: 2024 Summary
In 2024, states broadened eligibility for criminal record sealing and expungement, made changes to expungement processes and funded reentry programs. Examples include Colorado waiving fees associated with expungement, Louisiana expediting certain expungement services and Ohio broadening eligibility for expungement to include certain misdemeanors. Some states like California, Florida and Iowa also appropriated funds to support reentry services providing educational and vocational training along with other community assistance efforts. Read about 2024 reentry updates.
Related: NCSL Reentry and Criminal Records Enactment Legislation Database
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