Raising bail money is often a barrier for individuals that are financially vulnerable. This means if you cannot raise bail money you must remain incarcerated until your trial is scheduled, which may be months or years depending on the jurisdiction. California’s governor, Jerry Brown just signed sweeping legislation to eliminate cash bail for pretrial detention, a barrier for many Californians. This will take effect in October 2019. California (New Mexico and New Jersey have similar laws) to address the topic of mass incarceration and the bail bond industry which thrives on the most vulnerable among us. Risk assessments will gauge how persons will either remain in jail for sex crimes and other serious felonies or free for nonviolent crimes until their trial is scheduled. We will be watching closely to see if other states consider making this change for millions of Americans.
http://amp.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article217461380.html
Rev. Dr. Donna Taylor is the Pastor of Andrew Chapel, United Methodist Church on the Northern Neck in Montross, VA. Rev. Dr. Taylor promotes best practices for financial literacy and financial empowerment in the church and leads workshops throughout Northern Virginia. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the District Finance Committee. In May 2015, Rev. Dr. Taylor received her Doctor of Ministry from Virginia University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, VA. Rev. Dr. Donna Taylor is married to Dr. David Taylor, who is also the Director of our church-based free clinic. They have two adult children and three grandchildren. In her leisure time, Rev. Dr. Taylor enjoys traveling, jogging, weightlifting, swimming, yoga, and interior decorating. In May 2015, Rev. Dr. Taylor received her Doctor of Ministry from Virginia University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia. Rev. Dr. Taylor was born and raised in New York City and recently discovered her ancestral roots in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. Rev. Dr. Donna Taylor is married to David Taylor and they have a son and a daughter. Their daughter is a educator and son is an Active-Duty Senior Seaman in the Navy married with three children. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling, reading, swimming, writing poetry, crocheting and spending time with her family.