Washington weighs a $200 bail cap; New Jersey and Illinois already cut cash bail

Each place below changed when money decides who goes home before trial.

• WashingtonA proposed court rule would cap most misdemeanor bail at $200. The Supreme Court hears it Nov. 10.
• New JerseyChanges began in 2017. Since then, courts set money bail in 0.02% of cases, the state's courts reported in 2022. More than 97% of people arrested in 2020 made their court dates. 20.3% were charged with a new serious offense while released, up from under 14%.
• IllinoisEnded cash bail Sept. 18, 2023. Judges now hold hearings to decide who stays in jail.
• McLean County, Ill.The jail fell to about 150 people a day after the change, then rose to 230 to 240, above earlier levels, WGLT reported in 2025. McLean County's sheriff blamed missed court dates. A university researcher pointed to rising mental health needs.
• WhatcomThe County is designing a new jail of 440 to 460 beds.

See the Washington story: State Supreme Court weighs a $200 cap on most misdemeanor bail; hearing Nov. 10. See also Connection 7: what cities pay the county for jail.

What's next: Washington's court decides after the Nov. 10 hearing. No date is set.