An Act relative to authorizing electronic signatures for criminal complaints

This bill (HD 1253) allows law enforcement officers to submit criminal complaints electronically using an electronic signature, replacing the current requirement for in-person swearing under oath. It directly affects law enforcement officers who file criminal complaints in Massachusetts. The key provision amends statutes to permit electronic signatures for complaints submitted online, with officers affirming the complaint's truthfulness under perjury penalties instead of appearing before a justice or court. This streamlines the filing process while maintaining legal accountability. The bill does not change substantive criminal law but modernizes the procedural filing method.