CRIM PRO-OPT OUT BAIL REFORM

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of a county may decide not to implement a provision by local court rule that requires a person charged with an offense to be allowed counsel at the hearing at which bail is determined and if the defendant desires counsel for his or her initial appearance but is unable to obtain counsel, the court shall appoint a public defender or licensed attorney at law of this State to represent him or her for purposes of that hearing. Provides that the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of a county may decide not to implement a provision requiring that a person in custody for a Category B offense due to an inability to post monetary bail be brought before the court at the next available court date or 7 calendar days from the date bail was set, whichever is earlier, for a rehearing on the amount or conditions of bail or release pending further court proceedings. Effective immediately.