H 4857 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

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

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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

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