Bill > S0293

This bill modifies Rhode Island's pretrial release laws by mandating that individuals arrested solely for misdemeanors be released without financial bail conditions, with specific exceptions. Under the new provision, courts can only impose financial bail conditions if the arrested person is charged with a domestic violence offense, requests financial conditions themselves, or if the court specifically finds a high likelihood that the individual will either fail to appear in court or attempt to obstruct justice, intimidate, or threaten a witness. The bill requires the court to base such findings on information gathered during a background investigation, which includes factors like employment history, criminal record, community ties, and personal circumstances. The legislation aims to reduce unnecessary pretrial detention for minor offenses by creating a presumption of release without financial bail, while still preserving judicial discretion to impose conditions in cases with potential public safety or flight risks. The changes will take effect immediately upon passage of the bill.

Justice

https://status.rilegislature.gov/