Republicans come out in favor of eliminating cashless bail option in Mass.

Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald on Sep 9, 2025

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Both of the Republicans hoping to challenge Gov. Maura Healey in the general election have come out in “strong support” of a proposal before the Legislature to do away with the state’s cash-free bail system.

The proposal — An Act relative to eliminating cashless bail — was among the dozens of bills heard the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on Tuesday, though the committee adjourned without anyone offering testimony for or against the idea.

Ahead of the hearing, Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve announced his backing of the bill offered by state Rep. Steven Xiarhos, which he said would help address a revolving-door at Bay State courthouses.

“Massachusetts families deserve to feel safe in their communities. 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,” Shortsleeve said.

Shortsleeve, a former Baker Administration official, said that making the change is a matter of common sense that gives judges the ability to hold people accountable for returning to court. It’s better for judges to have the option to establish that accountability, according to the Republican, “not to blindly release them without considering the risk to the public.”

His thoughts were echoed by fellow Baker Administration alum and Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy.

“I strongly support Rep. Xiarhos’ efforts to end cashless bail in Massachusetts. Cashless bail protects criminals, fuels repeat offenses, especially in cases like domestic violence, and undermines public safety. It’s reckless policy and only serves offenders, not the communities they harm. Victims deserve protection,” Kennealy said.

Their endorsement comes after President Donald Trump, in August, signed a pair of executive orders taking aim at the cashless bail practice, which more and more jurisdictions have begun adopting in recent years.

Trump has instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to develop a list of jurisdictions that have implemented a cashless bail system, which he indicated may put them at risk of losing federal funding.

Massachusetts does not have a true cashless bail system, but judges are supposed to consider if a defendant has the ability to actually pay a bail set, so as not to hold poorer defendants simply because they cannot pay bail. Pretrial release is supposed to be the normal course of action when dealing with non-violent offenses.

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