Bill > H3120

This bill aims to reform the pretrial process in Massachusetts. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Allowing the commissioner of corrections or county administrators to place certain inmates or defendants held for trial in community corrections programs. 2. Expanding the use of community corrections programs by the probation department for pretrial supervision. 3. Establishing a division of pretrial services within the office of probation to provide risk assessments, release recommendations, and supervision of defendants prior to trial. 4. Requiring judicial officers to consult a validated risk assessment tool when making bail decisions and limiting the use of financial conditions that would result in the pretrial detention of a person. 5. Providing for speedy trials and reviews of detention orders for defendants held prior to trial. 6. Modifying the procedures and terminology related to bail, surety, and forfeiture of bonds. The bill aims to promote evidence-based practices in the pretrial process and reduce unnecessary pretrial detention, while maintaining public safety considerations.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H3120