The bill amends Chapter 12-13 of the General Laws, titled "Bail and Recognizance," by establishing a new section, 12-13-26, which creates a bail task force. The purpose of this task force is to analyze whether the judges of the district and superior courts should continue the use of monetary conditions of bail and, if so, to what extent. It will also evaluate alternative options to ensure an accused's appearance in court, enhance public safety, and uphold the presumption of innocence.

The task force will consist of various members, including the chief justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court (who will serve as chairperson), the attorney general, the public defender, the president of the Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the president of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, the head of the Economic Progress Institute, the president of Amos House, and representatives from impacted communities appointed by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house.

The task force will be tasked with studying, identifying, and recommending necessary changes to current Rhode Island bail laws, court rules, procedures, and practices. It will have the authority to access and consider relevant information, consult with experts in the criminal justice field, and consider current procedures and practices used in Rhode Island and other jurisdictions.

The task force is required to prepare a final report containing its recommendations by January 1, 2027, which will address issues such as the continued use of monetary conditions of bail, the availability of alternatives to monetary bail, increased use of summons to appear in court rather than arrest, increased use of home confinement, the use of reliable pre-trial risk assessment tools, enhancing the availability of counsel at initial appearances, and education and training for stakeholders.

Following the submission of the report, the task force will continue to meet periodically to assess the impact of its recommendations, with a supplemental report due by July 1, 2028, and a final report by May 1, 2029, before dissolving on July 1, 2029. The act will take effect upon passage.