The bill amends Section 12-13-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 12-13, which pertains to "Bail and Recognizance." It establishes the right to release pending trial for individuals held on criminal charges, specifically differentiating between felony and misdemeanor cases.

For felony cases, individuals can be released upon giving recognizance with sufficient surety before a court justice. In contrast, for misdemeanor cases, the bill mandates that individuals be released without bail, solely on their own recognizance, while adhering to any conditions set by the court.

The bill emphasizes that the release on non-monetary conditions is intended to assure the presence of the accused in court as required and to protect the safety of the community. It specifies that the setting of bail and conditions shall be subject to existing regulations outlined in 12-13-1.3(e).

This act will take effect immediately upon passage, effectively prohibiting cash or surety bail for misdemeanor offenses while allowing for reasonable non-monetary conditions.

Statutes affected:
5501: 12-13-1