HB2154: Prosecutors vs. Bail Bondsmen -- UPDATE II

We're involved in a pretty good debate here in House Judiciary as to how to fund the Victim Assistance Coordinators, who are housed in each judicial district's prosecutor's office. HB2154 would increase the bail bond fee by $20. Proponents believe that the families of victims are underserved in the criminal justice system. Opponents are arguing that there has to be a better way to fund the coordinators other than by a group of people who have yet to be convicted. Further, they say it's a conflict to require a Defendant to pay a fee to the person who will be prosecuting them. One lawmaker asked why this proposal wasn't part of the 8% increase the prosecutors sought and obtained earlier in the session. Rep. Bubba Powers is speaking most effectively for the bill.

Full disclosure: I worked in the Pulaski County Victim Assistance Office after college when Mark Stodola was prosecutor. I still think there has to be a better way to fund it, but this may be the best mechanism that can be devised.

Update: The bill failed by a vote of 10-10.

Update II (5:25 p.m.): We're back in committee after adjourning from floor votes. We're now debating the False Claims Act. Rep. Martin pulled down his open carry bill to make an amendment regarding a minimum age to carry an open firearm.