Summons Amendments
SB 301 amends criminal procedure rules regarding summons for defendants released from jail before trial. It directly affects defendants, prosecutors, and magistrates by changing when prosecutors can file charges (after 60 days of release) and modifying requirements for magistrates releasing defendants. The bill adds that a presumption favoring defendants' release can be overcome if the defendant fails to appear on a served summons or if good-faith service attempts fail. These changes clarify procedural timelines and service requirements for pretrial releases.
Bill status
passed
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Governor
Introduced Feb 17, 2026
Last action Mar 7, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
Amended Excerpts 3/3/2026 11:03:716
→
Amended 3/3/2026 11:03:716
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5 edits
MODERATE
This bill clarifies when law enforcement can issue arrest warrants instead of summonses and establishes conditions under which warrants may be used at night. It also updates procedures for transporting arrested individuals to court and reporting warrant status to state authorities.
Scope change
The bill modifies existing criminal procedure rules regarding arrest warrants and summonses, specifically adding requirements for nighttime arrests and clarifying when warrants are necessary.
REQUIREMENT
Added specific circumstances under which a warrant is necessary to prevent injury, secure appearance, or protect public safety.
Established a presumption against issuing warrants when prosecutors delay filing charges or affidavits after releasing an accused person from jail.
Added requirements for law enforcement agencies to report warrant status changes to the Bureau of Criminal Identification.
ENFORCEMENT
Clarified that felony arrests can occur at any time, while misdemeanor nighttime arrests require specific authorization and must occur in public places or during active investigations.
TIMELINE
Updated effective date of the bill to May 6, 2026.
Floor votes · Senate Mar 3, 2026
How they voted
26–0
Passed · 3 other
Total votes 29
Mar 3, 2026
D
Democratic6
83% Yea
N
Forward1
100% Yea
R
Republican22
90% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
29
Key actions
4
Committee
4
Amendments
1
Mar 4, 2026
Introduced
House/ 1st reading (Introduced)
lower
Mar 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
lower
Mar 3, 2026
Introduced
Senate/ floor amendment
upper
Feb 25, 2026
Upper · Passed
Senate/ committee report favorable [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]
upper
Feb 25, 2026
Upper · Passed
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]
upper
Feb 20, 2026
Upper · Passed
Senate Comm - Not Considered [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]
upper
Feb 18, 2026
Committee
Senate/ to standing committee [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]
upper
Feb 17, 2026
Introduced
Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
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