An Act to enhance courthouse security

This bill (SD 398) amends court security provisions to expand the police powers of court officers. It allows court officers to perform police duties and exercise police powers in assigned courthouse areas, adjacent grounds (including parking lots), and specific situations like escorting jurors or detainees - when authorized by a chief justice. The change applies directly to court officers and those designated by the chief justice of the trial, supreme, or appeals courts. It modifies Section 70A of Chapter 221 of the General Laws to formalize these expanded security responsibilities.