H 1492 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to dangerousness offenses

This bill expands the types of crimes for which prosecutors in Massachusetts can request pretrial detention based on a defendant's dangerousness. It directly affects individuals charged with specific offenses, including various forms of assault, drug-related crimes, and violent felonies, by adding new categories to the existing list of eligible charges. The key provision allows courts to order detention only if they find clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions would ensure public safety, while explicitly prohibiting judges from using financial bail as a means to detain someone. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that conspiracy or solicitation to commit these listed crimes also qualifies for such dangerousness-based detention requests.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Jul 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Aug 8, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
4
Committee
1
Jul 25, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
May 20, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Apr 1, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors