Bill > H1530

This bill aims to enhance the rights of crime victims in the Commonwealth. It makes several key changes to existing law, including: 1. Expanding the definition of "victim" to include grandparents and persons with whom the victim lived in a relationship similar to marriage. 2. Defining "probation officer" to include various probation personnel. 3. Extending victim services to cases that have not resulted in complaints or indictments. 4. Requiring the court to delay sentencing by at least one business day to allow victims to be present and heard, even if the defendant pleads or is found guilty. 5. Allowing victims to submit impact statements to the parole board and be heard at any violation of probation proceedings. 6. Requiring various agencies, such as the probation service and parole board, to notify victims of certain proceedings. 7. Establishing a special commission to evaluate and recommend improvements to the bail notification system for victims and their family members.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1530