HD 798 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to the Commonwealth’s right to appeal bail decisions

This bill (HD 798) gives the Commonwealth (state prosecutors) the right to appeal bail decisions made by district courts within one business day. It directly affects defendants who are on bail for prior charges and face new criminal charges, as well as district courts, prosecutors, and defendants' attorneys. Key provisions require prosecutors to file a petition for review within 24 hours of a bail decision, mandate a hearing before the superior court the next business day (unless extraordinary circumstances exist), and require courts to inform defendants about the appeal process. The bill does not change bail standards but creates a new, expedited review path for prosecutors to challenge bail grants or conditions.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor