Justice court judges; authorize to set bail for capital offenses.

HB 1611 allows justice court judges in Mississippi to set bail for defendants charged with capital offenses (serious crimes punishable by death), which they could not previously do. The bill amends existing law to authorize these judges to establish bail amounts while maintaining current requirements, such as considering public safety, the defendant’s ability to pay, and the need for appearance in court. It does not change bail amounts or procedures but expands the authority of justice courts to handle bail settings for these high-level cases. The law would take effect July 1, 2026.