Bill > S965

This bill amends sections of the Massachusetts General Laws to modify the bail process for individuals arrested for the manufacture, sale, or distribution of fentanyl. The key provisions include: 1. Requiring a minimum 6-hour wait period before bail can be granted, except by a judge in open court, for those arrested for fentanyl-related offenses under sections 32, 32E, and 32F of chapter 94C. 2. Prohibiting the release of such individuals out of court by a clerk of courts, district court clerk, bail commissioner, or master in chancery. 3. Allowing those authorized to set bail to impose conditions to ensure the person's appearance in court and the safety of the individual, others, and the community. 4. Requiring those setting bail to have immediate access to the person's criminal record information, probation records, and police reports before granting bail or imposing conditions. The purpose of these changes is to establish stricter bail procedures for fentanyl-related offenses in an effort to address the ongoing opioid crisis in Massachusetts.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S965