CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — A new Tennessee law requiring suspects to pay more upfront for bail is drawing criticism for its potential impact on low-income communities in the Chattanooga area.
The law, effective July 1st, mandates that people charged with a crime must pay 10 percent of their bond amount to secure release from jail.
That’s a shift from previous legislation that capped the upfront payment at 10 percent.
Supporters argue the change levels the playing field across the state. But critics contend it disproportionately affects those unable to afford the increased cost, keeping them in jail before trial…