Bill > LD1536

This bill reverses several changes made to Maine's bail laws in 2021, modifying provisions related to bail commissioners, defendant release conditions, and judicial considerations for bail. Specifically, the bill reinstates the requirement for defendants to pay a $60 bail commissioner fee, removing the previous provision that waived the fee for those with financial hardships. It eliminates certain search conditions for defendants in specialty court dockets and removes specific provisions about financial conditions of release. The bill also restores and modifies language about a defendant's characteristics that judges can consider when setting bail, reintroducing the ability to consider a defendant's financial resources while removing considerations like primary caregiving responsibilities, specific healthcare needs, and employment maintenance. Additionally, the bill adds a new requirement for defendants to report regularly to their attorney and simplifies the written statement of bail conditions that judges must provide. These changes effectively roll back some of the more defendant-friendly bail reforms introduced in recent years, potentially making it more challenging for individuals to be released before trial.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1536&snum=132