BOSTON, MA – Today, Marine Corps Veteran, successful business leader, and proven government reformer Brian Shortsleeve, Republican candidate for governor, announced his strong support for legislation that would end cashless bail in Massachusetts, pledging to prioritize public safety and restore accountability in the state’s criminal justice system.
“Massachusetts families deserve to feel safe in their communities,” said Shortsleeve. “The current cashless bail policies are failing victims, emboldening repeat offenders, and undermining the trust people place in our justice system. It’s time to end this dangerous experiment.”
Rep. Steven Xiarhos’ bill, H.2059 has a hearing today in front of the Joint Committee on Judiciary.
Under current law, many individuals charged with serious crimes can be released without posting bail, even when they pose a clear risk to public safety. Shortsleeve argues that such policies create a revolving door in the justice system,—jeopardizing both the rights of victims and the safety of neighborhoods.
“Ending cashless bail is about restoring common sense,” Shortsleeve added. “Judges need the discretion to hold dangerous individuals accountable before trial—not to blindly release them without considering the risk to the public.”