ESSEX – To ensure law enforcement have the resources to continue to protect the communities they serve, State Senator Patrick Joyce chief co-sponsored a measure to clarify language in the SAFE-T Act.

“Over the past few months I have had a number of meetings with a bipartisan group of state’s attorneys and law enforcement officials to find the best solution that will give law enforcement and the courts the tools they need to keep people safe,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Ensuring that law enforcement and the courts retain the ability to protect our neighbors is a top priority.”

Senate Bill 4228 updates many provisions in the SAFE-T Act by clarifying language to address concerns raised by local law enforcement officials. The legislation would amend the pretrial release reforms to only apply to individuals arrested on or after Jan. 1, 2023. The legislation would also permit a judge to deny pretrial release for any alleged crime if the person arrested poses a threat to the safety of any person or the community.

The measure clarifies that officers have the authority to detain trespassers if the person is a threat to themselves, a person, or the community, or if the officer feels it necessary to discontinue the criminal behavior.

“With all the confusion surrounding the SAFE-T Act, it’s important that we make things as clear as possible,” said Joyce. “It is my hope that by clarifying items brought to me by my local State’s Attorneys and police, we will give law enforcement and the courts the tools they feel they need to keep people safe.”

Senate Bill 4228 can be heard as soon as the fall Veto Session.