Bill > H1383

This bill aims to enhance the rights of crime victims in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It makes several key changes: 1. It expands the definition of "family member" in the Victim's Bill of Rights to include grandparents. 2. It allows prosecutors to provide services under the Victim's Bill of Rights to victims even if a formal complaint or indictment has not been issued. 3. It strengthens victims' rights to be present, heard, and have their impact statements considered at sentencing and other key proceedings. 4. It requires probation officers to notify victims of certain probation-related hearings and allows victims to be heard at those hearings. 5. It establishes a special commission to evaluate and recommend improvements to the bail notification system for informing victims and their families when an offender is released from custody. Overall, this bill significantly expands and enhances the legal rights and support services available to crime victims in Massachusetts.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H1383