By Representative Day of Stoneham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1640) of Michael S. Day relative to the roles and responsibilities of the Victim and Witness Assistance Board. The Judiciary.
By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1792) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to authorizing the courts of the Commonwealth to establish a system of juvenile restitution. The Judiciary.
By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1132) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Joanne M. Comerford and Adam Gomez for legislation relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction. The Judiciary.
By Representatives Barber of Somerville and Fluker-Reid of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1587) of Christine P. Barber, Brandy Fluker-Reid and others relative to adults or children charged with crimes. The Judiciary.
This bill (SD 417) enhances rights for victims of violent crimes like homicide and sexual assault in Massachusetts. It expands who qualifies as a "family member" to include grandparents and partners in relationships similar to marriage, and adds new definitions for "limited English proficient" victims and "vital documents." Key provisions require courts to notify victims of sentencing and probation hearings, guarantee their right to submit written or oral impact statements at sentencing (even in cases with plea deals), and ensure access to free language services. The bill also creates a commission to evaluate victim notification systems related to bail and court proceedings. These changes directly affect crime victims and their families by improving access to court processes and support services.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1063) of Julian Cyr for legislation to enhance the rights of crime victims in the Commonwealth. The Judiciary.
This bill expands rights for crime victims in Massachusetts, specifically affecting victims of violent crimes like homicide and sexual assault. It adds grandparents and individuals in marital-like relationships to the definition of family members entitled to services. Key provisions include requiring courts to delay sentencing if victims aren't present (allowing them to be notified), guaranteeing victims the right to submit written impact statements at sentencing, and mandating notification about probation violations and sex offender registry processes. It also creates a commission to evaluate victim notification systems related to bail. The bill ensures limited English proficient victims receive free language assistance and clarifies definitions for "vital documents" and "limited English proficient."
This bill changes probation rules in Massachusetts by requiring judges to justify any condition of probation individually, rather than imposing standard terms. It sets maximum probation lengths: three years for felonies and one year for misdemeanors, with exceptions for sex offenses (if longer probation reduces future risk) and restitution collection (only administrative extensions). Judges may extend probation by up to 90 days for substance treatment completion, but only after a hearing and finding it's necessary. The bill affects all offenders on probation and aims to limit probation duration based on current research and public safety needs.
This bill strengthens pretrial detention and victim protections for individuals charged with specific violent or dangerous offenses. It creates new criminal penalties (up to 10 years in prison) for tampering with geolocation or breath-testing devices used in pretrial release, probation, or parole. It expands grounds for pretrial detention to include offenses like domestic violence, sex crimes against children, firearm violations, and threats of serious harm. Additionally, it requires law enforcement or courts to notify alleged victims before releasing defendants charged with certain offenses, with a maximum 6-hour delay for this notification. The bill directly affects defendants charged with listed offenses, victims of those crimes, and court systems managing pretrial proceedings.
A petition (accompanied by bill) of Osagie N. Okoruwa, for legislation to provide justice and relief for those who have been exonerated from wrongful convictions.
