An Act regarding conditions of release in Superior Court
This bill amends Massachusetts Superior Court release procedures to give judges new authority during pretrial release decisions. It directly affects defendants awaiting trial who face charges involving alleged victims or witnesses. The key change adds language allowing judges to order defendants to avoid all contact with alleged victims and potential witnesses as a condition of release. This provision aims to protect victims and witnesses during the pretrial phase without altering who is eligible for release. The bill does not change existing release standards but expands judicial options for safety measures.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Dec 31, 2025
Last action Dec 31, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Dec 31, 2025
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Dec 31, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on The Judiciary
lower
0 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
No sponsor information available.
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about H 4857
Scope: MA
Hi! I can help you understand H 4857. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline