CVU Supports AB 1927
Protecting Families From Exploitation: Why AB 1927 Matters
An arrest is one of the most stressful moments a family can face. In that moment, people are trying to understand what happened, what comes next, and how to help their loved one.
Unfortunately, that vulnerability has become a target.
Assembly Bill 1927 (Krell), the Bail Consumer Protection Act, addresses a predatory practice that exploits families at exactly the wrong time.
What AB 1927 Does
AB 1927 prohibits unauthorized solicitation of bail services directed at family members and known contacts of an arrested individual.
This includes unsolicited calls, texts, and emails from bail agents or individuals posing as legitimate providers who obtain contact information through public arrest records.
The goal is simple: stop aggressive and deceptive outreach before it reaches people in crisis.
The Problem Families Are Facing
In the immediate aftermath of an arrest, families are often overwhelmed and searching for answers.
Some bad actors take advantage of that moment by:
Mining public arrest data within hours of booking
Contacting family members and emergency contacts directly
Using high-pressure tactics to push bail services
Targeting individuals who may be unfamiliar with the process, including seniors
These interactions can be confusing, misleading, and financially harmful. Families may feel pressured to make quick decisions without fully understanding their options or whether the outreach is even legitimate.
Why This Matters
This is not just about unwanted phone calls. It is about protecting people during a moment of emotional distress.
When families are approached in this way:
They may be misled about costs or urgency
They may feel obligated to act immediately
They may fall victim to impersonators or deceptive practices
At a time when clarity and trust are essential, these tactics create more confusion and risk.
Setting Clear Boundaries
AB 1927 establishes clear limits on how bail services can be marketed and communicated.
By prohibiting unsolicited outreach to family members and known contacts, the bill:
Reduces the risk of fraud and deception
Protects vulnerable individuals from high-pressure tactics
Encourages more transparent and informed decision-making
Reinforces ethical standards within the bail industry
This is a targeted approach focused on preventing exploitation without disrupting legitimate access to bail services.
A Continued Focus on Victims and Families
Crime Victims United has spent more than four decades advocating for policies that protect victims and strengthen public safety.
That work includes recognizing that harm does not stop at the moment of a crime or arrest. Families, too, can be impacted in ways that are often overlooked.
AB 1927 addresses one of those gaps by ensuring families are not taken advantage of during a critical and vulnerable time.
Support AB 1927
Families should be able to navigate the justice system without being targeted by predatory practices.
AB 1927 offers a practical and necessary safeguard. Crime Victims United is proud to support this measure and urges an AYE vote.