Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Act 2023 Explanatory Notes

1. Introduction

2. The Act: an Overview

3. The Act: Section by Section

   1. Part 1: Bail

      1. Section 1—Decisions on bail: relevant information

      2. Section 2—Determination of good reason for refusing bail

         1. Changes to the bail test in section 23B of the 1995 Act

         2. Change in how section 23C(1)(a) of the 1995 Act applies in summary cases

      3. Section 3—Removal of restriction on bail in certain solemn cases

      4. Section 4—Decisions on bail: duty to state and record reasons

      5. Section 5—Time spent on electronically monitored bail

      6. Section 6—Report on bail and remand

      7. Section 7—Recording of reasons for granting bail in certain solemn cases

   2. Part 2: Release from custody

      1. Section 8—Prisoners not to be released on certain days of the week

      2. Section 9—Release on licence of long-term prisoners

      3. Section 10 – Review of recommendations and directions by Parole Board

      4. Section 11—Power to release early

      5. Section 12—Duty to engage in release planning

      6. Section 13—Throughcare support

      7. Section 14—Provision of information to victim support organisations

      8. Section 15 – Report on operation of Part 2

   3. Part 3: Final provisions

      1. Section 17—Ancillary provision

      2. Section 18—Commencement

4. Parliamentary History