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California is close to abolishing its current money bail system, which many consider unfair to poor people.

On Thursday, State Sen. Bob Hertzberg and California State Assembly member Rob Bonta, co-authors of SB 10, the California Money Reform Bail Act, announced the passage of their proposal from the Assembly Appropriations Committee. It is now heading to the legislature.

If the legislature passes the bill and Gov. Jerry Brown signs it into law, California will be the first state in the nation to eliminate the bail system.

During a press conference, Hertzberg stated that California's current “criminal justice system discriminates" against poor people. He said the system "punishes people, takes away their liberty and treats them differently because they have less money in their pocket.”

California Money Reform Bail Act Will Create a 'Just and Fair' System

He emphasized that their primary objective is to create a system that is “just and fair."

Bonta said their legislation will end the "predatory" money bail system and that it offers a balance between safety and social justice.

Bonta rejected criticisms that the bill is watered down. He emphasized that they delivered on their promise that they will reform the money bail system, as the legislation will abolish it.

“I’d say that’s a significant, fundamental reform,” Bonta said.

In addition, Bonta said they strengthened the bill in response to those who raised concerns regarding public safety.

“We clarified and strengthened SB 10 to make sure that non-violent, low-risk defendants are not unnecessarily locked in jail and those who are truly a safety risk to others or a clear flight risk are held in custody," Bonta said.

Replacing the Money Bail System with a Risk-based System

Under the California Money Reform Bail Act, the current money bail system will be replaced with an individualized, risk-based system.

The pretrial release of defendants will be based on several factors, such as flight and public safety risks.

The legislation will also end all monetary conditions for pretrial release, including charges for ankle monitors.

Additionally, the legislation requires that people charged with misdemeanors will be booked and released within 12 hours of their arrests. However, this requirement exempts cases involving domestic violence, stalking and other serious offenses.