HD 1606 amends Massachusetts law to define and penalize throwing objects at certain vehicles or assaulting transportation workers. The bill specifically targets actions like throwing objects at motor vehicles, trains, buses (including school buses), or assaulting drivers, conductors, or operators while they are performing their duties. Offenders face penalties of up to a $1,000 fine, up to five years in prison, or both. This law directly affects individuals who commit these acts against transportation workers or vehicles, strengthening existing penalties for such dangerous behavior.
HD 81 makes it a crime to knowingly help a child under 18 run away from their legal caregiver, such as a parent, guardian, or child welfare agency like DCF or foster care. It sets penalties: up to 1 year in jail or $1,000 fine for children under 18, up to 5 years in prison for children under 14, and harsher penalties (up to 10 years) when involving DCF or court-ordered care. The bill also adds stricter punishments if the act occurs near schools, with fines starting at $2,500 and prison terms up to 5 years. This directly affects individuals who assist minors in leaving legally mandated care without authorization.
This bill expands Massachusetts' state DNA database by requiring DNA samples from individuals arrested and arraigned for felony charges, not just those convicted. It increases penalties for non-compliance, raising fines from $1,000 to $2,000 and jail terms from six months to one year. The bill also adds a provision requiring DNA samples to be expunged from the database if the original felony charge does not result in a conviction. These changes directly affect felony arrestees in Massachusetts during the criminal justice process.
This bill makes it a crime for adults to knowingly help children under 18 run away from parents, guardians, or child welfare systems (including foster care or DCS custody). Penalties include up to 5 years in prison or $1,000 fines for helping children aged 14+ run away from family care, and up to 10 years in prison or $5,000 fines for children under 14 or those in DCS custody. It also imposes harsher penalties if the act occurs within 300 feet of schools. The law targets individuals who "lure, induce, or persuade" children to leave lawful care without legal authority.
This bill (HD 3510) creates new criminal penalties for "check washing," defined as altering a check's payee name, amount, or both to fraudulently cash or deposit it. It directly affects individuals who commit this specific type of check fraud. The law imposes penalties based on the amount stolen: up to 10 years in prison or a $50,000 fine for fraud exceeding $1,200, or up to 2 years in jail or a $3,000 fine for fraud under $1,200. The bill also clarifies where legal action can be filed (in the jurisdiction where the check was used or the bank's main office is located).
HD 3071 prohibits possessing, selling, or delivering pill press machines, drug molds, or counterfeiting materials if known to be used for manufacturing controlled substances or counterfeit drugs. Violators face felony charges with penalties of up to 5 years in prison or $25,000 fines. The bill requires the Board of Registration in Pharmacy to create rules for legal use and licensing of these machines and may mandate registration of such equipment. This directly affects individuals and businesses handling pill presses, including legitimate pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors who must comply with the new regulations.
This bill amends Massachusetts law (Chapter 265, Section 15D) to increase maximum prison sentences for certain violent crimes. It raises the maximum penalty for one offense from 5 years to 10 years and for another from 10 years to 15 years. The change directly affects individuals convicted under these specific sections of the criminal code. The law makes no new definitions or procedures - only adjusts the maximum possible sentences for these offenses.
HD 1707 makes it a crime to intentionally and maliciously threaten a sports official (like a referee, umpire, or scorer) during a sporting event with serious bodily injury, causing a reasonable fear for safety. It directly affects officials at school, college, community, or semiprofessional games covered under the bill's definition. First offenses carry up to 2.5 years in jail or a $1,000 fine, while repeat offenses can lead to 5-10 years in state prison. The law specifically targets threats directed at officials acting in their capacity, whether paid or volunteer, during organized athletic events.
This bill increases penalties for hit-and-run incidents involving recreational vehicles (like ATVs or snowmobiles) that cause injury or death. For non-fatal collisions where the driver flees without providing details, penalties now include up to one year in jail or a $500-$1,000 fine (previously only a fine). For hit-and-runs resulting in death, penalties rise to up to 2.5 years in jail or a $5,000 fine (previously less severe). The law directly affects recreational vehicle operators who flee after causing injury or death, aiming to strengthen accountability for these specific offenses.
This bill (SD 735) increases penalties for armed robberies targeting banks and credit unions in Massachusetts. It mandates a minimum 5-year prison sentence for first-time armed bank/credit union robberies (using firearms or weapons), rising to 15 years for repeat offenses. Non-armed bank/credit union robberies now carry a minimum 30-month sentence. The bill also clarifies court jurisdiction for related cases, allowing lawsuits to be filed where the victim or defendant resides or works.
