Atlanta's mayor talks about cash bond changes
ATLANTA - Atlanta's mayor spoke Tuesday morning about the city's controversial cash bond bill.
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"It's not about giving anyone a free pass," said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms right after putting her name on a piece of city court legislation.
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The bill means any person charged with a misdemeanor will no longer be required to come up with money to be released from jail. However, Bottoms said there is no free pass because the alleged offender still must comply with all the requirements to show up and answer the charge.
The mayor said when an individual has to spend weeks or even a month in jail, the impact can be severe such as losing employment.
The new measure does not apply to individuals who have repeatedly ignored orders to appear in court.