Currently 69 percent of the inmates in Maine jails are those who have yet to go to trial and are unable to post bail. State Sen. Eric Brakey, of Auburn is proposing legislation that would eliminate cash bail and dramatically reduce the number of inmates in jails. That in turn would lower taxpayer costs.

Brakey would like to replace bail with a new system that would screen those charged with crimes and determine whether or not they are a flight risk before releasing them. It's similar to programs in place in programs in Washington, D.C., and New Jersey

According to the Bangor Daily News, "the move would dramatically reduce the cost of operating Maine’s county jails, which are facing a $2.5 million shortfall for the current fiscal year."

Brakey said, “Sometimes, their bail amounts are as low as $50, but they can’t come up with the money.” That means that taxpayers end up footing the bill to keep the inmates behind bars. That can cost as as much as $100 a day.

More From 92 Moose