Owens Bonding of Reno County

07/13/2026

BONDS BONDS BONDS

620-899-7613
620-664-6100

*****ATTENTION:*****

Law Went into Effect July 01, 2026
Kansas House Bill 2444, one of the biggest criminal justice bills passed during the 2026 legislative session. It
Became law after being signed by Governor Laura Kelly on April 6, 2026.

** Official Kansas HB 2444⁠**

What changed?

1. Higher bonds for repeat felony offenders

If a person:

* is on probation,
* on parole,
* on post-release supervision,
* or is already out on bond for a felony,

and is arrested for another felony, the judge must generally require a secured cash or surety bond instead of simply releasing the person on their promise to appear (an OR bond). The law also establishes minimum bond amounts for many of these defendants unless the judge makes specific findings allowed by law.

2. OR (Own Recognizance) bonds are more limited
Before this law, judges had broader discretion to release someone on an OR bond.

Now, for certain repeat felony offenders, that discretion is significantly restricted. The judge cannot simply release the person without meeting the requirements set out in the statute.

3. Tougher sentencing
If someone commits a new felony while already serving a felony sentence in the community (probation, parole, or post-release supervision), the law creates a presumption that the new sentence will be prison rather than probation, and it limits when judges can depart from that presumption.

4. Jail credit changed
Previously, if someone had multiple consecutive cases, the same days spent in jail before sentencing could sometimes reduce more than one sentence.

HB 2444 changes that.

Now:

* One day in jail counts as one day of credit.
* That day generally cannot be used to reduce multiple consecutive sentences.

⸻

Example

Suppose someone:

* was convicted of burglary,
* is on probation,
* commits armed robbery while on probation.

Under the new law:

* They are much less likely to receive an OR bond.
* A secured bond meeting the statutory minimum will generally be required unless the court makes findings allowing otherwise.
* If convicted, prison becomes the presumptive sentence for the new felony.
* If consecutive sentences are imposed, the same jail time cannot be credited toward both sentences.

Why was this bill passed?

Supporters argued it:

* Keeps repeat violent offenders in custody while awaiting trial.
* Reduces repeat offenses committed by people already under court supervision.
* Creates more consistency in sentencing and bond decisions.

Opponents argued it:

* Reduces judicial discretion.
* May increase county jail populations and state prison costs.
* Could keep more people in jail before trial because they cannot afford the required bond.

04/29/2026

Getting charged with a new felony while already on bond or probation just got more serious.

Starting July 1st:

Judges are more likely to require jail time
And they have fewer options for lighter sentences

This is a major shift in how these situations are handled.

04/29/2026

What is Considered a Probation Violation? Probation violation bail bonds can greatly assist when a defendant has been arrested for a probation violation. Probation violations can include failing to attend a schedule meeting with a probation officer, not showing up to a scheduled court appearance, no...

04/29/2026

04/29/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DnrbVKu7Y/

The Professional Bail Agents of the United States recognizes that the American bail system has never operated in isolation. From its earliest days, its success has depended not only on the legal authority of the bond, but on the practical ability to ensure defendants appear in court. That critical responsibility has long been fulfilled by bail enforcement agents — professionals whose role is deeply rooted in the history of American jurisprudence.

The authority of bail enforcement agents traces back to English common law and was formally affirmed in American law by the 1872 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Taylor v. Taintor. In that landmark ruling, the Court upheld the surety’s right to recover a defendant who fails to appear, establishing the legal foundation for modern bail enforcement. This principle was never incidental — it has always been central. The effectiveness of the bail system has always rested on accountability, and accountability requires enforcement.

Over time, bail enforcement has evolved into a specialized and highly professional discipline. These agents operate under demanding and often unpredictable conditions, yet they carry out their work with a strong command of the law, due process, and personal responsibility. Their efforts are vital to the integrity of the judicial system, as they ensure those who fail to appear are returned to court.

The Professional Bail Agents of the United States also recognizes the many outstanding organizations in the bail enforcement community that have advanced training, education, and professional standards. These groups have significantly elevated the field and strengthened the credibility of our shared profession.

As the national conversation on bail continues to evolve, the voices of bail enforcement agents must no longer be left outside the room. PBUS is committed to extending a genuine hand to the bail enforcement community and the organizations that support and train them — ensuring they have a meaningful seat at the table as we shape the future of this profession together.
The role of the bail enforcement agent is not separate from the bail profession — it is an essential extension of it. Without enforcement, the bond becomes little more than a promise without consequence. With strong enforcement, it becomes a powerful instrument of accountability that protects the courts, safeguards public safety, and upholds the rule of law.

One table. One voice. One message.

That is the future of our profession.