Bill > H2059

This bill modifies Chapter 262 of the Massachusetts General Laws by establishing new regulations for bail and personal recognizance in criminal cases. Specifically, the bill caps the maximum fee that can be charged by a bail bondsman or authorized person at $80 for misdemeanor and felony arrests. It strictly prohibits bail agents from delegating the responsibility of setting or taking bail or personal recognizance to another person, and it bans fee-splitting arrangements between bail professionals. The bill also stipulates that bail agents can only collect their fee after the terms of release have been determined and the prisoner has been released out-of-court. These provisions aim to standardize and regulate the bail process, potentially reducing financial barriers to release and preventing potential conflicts of interest in the bail system.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2059