The bill amends Section 12-13-1.3 of the General Laws in Chapter 12-13, titled "Bail and Recognizance," to establish new guidelines for pretrial release. It stipulates that individuals arrested solely for misdemeanor offenses cannot have financial conditions imposed for their release unless they are charged with a domestic violence offense, request such conditions, or the court finds a significant risk that the individual will fail to appear in court or obstruct justice. The court's determination must be documented, and it is required to consider information from the Department of Corrections regarding the detainee's background and circumstances.

Additionally, the bill outlines the definition of "pretrial release" as the release of a defendant without bail, contingent upon compliance with court-imposed conditions. The Department of Corrections is tasked with gathering relevant information about the detainee, which will inform the court's decision on pretrial release or reduced bail. The court retains the discretion to impose non-monetary conditions to ensure the defendant's appearance in court and community safety. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
293: 12-13-1.3