Bill > H1736

This bill aims to enhance safety and security in courthouses. It proposes three key changes to the current law: 1. It makes certain assaults and assault and battery offenses committed on court property while the courts are in session or open to the public felony offenses, punishable by up to three years in state prison or two and a half years in jail, and/or a fine of up to $25,000. 2. It increases the potential penalty for willfully disrupting court proceedings from a one-year misdemeanor to a felony punishable by up to three years in state prison or two and a half years in jail, and/or a fine of up to $5,000. 3. It establishes an enhanced penalty for certain threats to do bodily harm to court staff, jurors, prosecutors, and attorneys due to their performance of official duties, making it a felony punishable by up to three years in state prison or two and a half years in jail, and/or a fine of up to $5,000. The overall goal of this bill is to deter criminal conduct in courthouses and protect those who work in the court system or come to the courts as part of the judicial process.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1736