CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - The West Virginia Senate has passed a bill to alleviate overcrowded jails through a pretrial release program.
The bill passed Friday would allow any county or municipality to establish and operate a community pretrial committee. The committee would recommend individuals who are being held in regional jails awaiting adjudication for pretrial release.
The release program may also be used as an alternative sentencing.
While on release, these individuals would be monitored and supervised and may be charged a fee of $7 per day or up to $30 per month.
Circuit judges or magistrates may also impose a bond on released individuals.
The state Supreme Court would fund, oversee and maintain guidelines for pretrial release programs.
The bill now goes to the House of Delegates for consideration.
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