Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor is on a mission to stop legislation that he says could be detrimental to defendants and the entire community.

He says Florida House Bill 445 is restrictive, and will force those with minor offenses to scramble to pay bail; and also keep them from continuing to work and be a part of the community.

Tallahassee resident Kellie Brown says she was in the wrong place at the wrong time when she got arrested on drug charges back in August.

But, because of the Pretrial Release Program, she didn't have to stay behind bars.

Brown said, "I have children so, being able to take care of my business with my children and me having my children and not somebody else, is the most beneficial part."

The Program allows people who were arrested to be released from jail while they wait for trial.

Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor says Florida House Bill 445 will severely limit those who qualify.

"It's a heat-seeking missile." Said, Proctor.

The pretrial supervisor says as of the end of January, there were 494 people actively on pretrial release in Leon County.

Proctor says the bill will be damaging because most who aren't released, can't afford to make bail.

Local resident Maxwell Williams said, "I've been in that situation before so, I know exactly how it is. It hurts a lot of folds to see their family members behind bars and struggling to get up change to get them out."

Proctor said, "The issue is will they come back to court. There is no data to say that if you're on a bail bond situation that you'll more likely come to court than if you're on the Pretrial Release. So, the argument that people are an at-risk flight risk for being on pretrial, that simply doesn't fly."

Proctor says 500 diverted defendants a month equals 180,000 jail bed days avoided.

He says the cost for a defendant to sit in jail is $67.40 a day, but only $3.94 on pretrial.

Brown said, "It's better than being in jail."

Proctor says contrary to some beliefs, being on pretrial release is safer. He points out at least under the program, the court can order alcoholic monitoring, mental health assistance, and GPS tracking; as opposed to someone just bonding out.

HB 445 was favorable by the Public Safety & Domestic Security Policy Committee Tuesday.

To review Florida House Bill 445, visit http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=42797&SessionId=64.