The bill amends Section 12-13-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 12-13, titled "Bail and Recognizance," to establish new provisions regarding the release of individuals pending trial. It introduces a new subsection (a) for felony cases, allowing individuals held on criminal charges to be released upon giving recognizance with sufficient surety. Additionally, it adds a new subsection (b) specifically addressing misdemeanor cases, which states that individuals subject to misdemeanor criminal processes shall be released without bail but on their own recognizance, with an order to comply with any conditions set by the court. The bill emphasizes that release on non-monetary conditions is intended to ensure the accused's presence in court and to protect community safety.

Furthermore, the bill includes a new subsection (c) that stipulates that the setting of bail and conditions must adhere to § 12-13-1.3(e). The overall effect of this legislation is to prohibit the courts from imposing cash or surety bail for misdemeanor offenses while allowing for reasonable non-monetary conditions to be set. This act will take effect upon its passage.

Statutes affected:
5501: 12-13-1