The bill amends Chapter 12-13 of the General Laws by introducing a new section titled "Bail task force." This task force is established to analyze the current use of monetary conditions of bail in Rhode Island's district and superior courts. It aims to evaluate whether these conditions should continue and, if so, to what extent. The task force will also explore alternative options to monetary bail that 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 (co-chairperson), the public defender (co-chairperson), 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 is tasked with gathering relevant information, consulting experts, and reviewing current practices to make recommendations for necessary changes to bail laws and procedures. It will focus on several areas, including the continued use of monetary conditions of bail, the availability of alternatives to monetary bail, increased use of summons instead of arrests, increased use of home confinement, the use of reliable pre-trial risk assessment tools, enhancing the availability of counsel at initial appearances, continuity of representation in felony cases, education and training for stakeholders, effective use of pre-trial services, and the establishment of community bail funds.

The final report with recommendations is due by January 1, 2027, and a supplemental report to assess the impact of these recommendations is due by July 1, 2028. The task force will continue to meet periodically to assess the impact of its recommendations and will complete its final report by May 1, 2029, before dissolving on July 1, 2029.