Bill > H1476

This bill aims to improve the administration and efficiency of the judicial system in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: 1. Allowing petitions for bail review to be filed by writing, fax, or electronic transmission instead of only by telephone. The deadline to hold a hearing on such petitions is extended from the same day to the third business day after filing, unless the court orders otherwise for good cause. 2. Modifying the language around individuals "held under arrest" to instead refer to those "charged with" a crime, for the purposes of bail review hearings. 3. Giving district attorneys sole discretion and responsibility to determine which criminal cases are tried and in what order, without the court having the authority to order a case to trial over the district attorney's objection. The court also cannot dismiss a case due to the district attorney's failure or refusal to move for trial, except on speedy trial grounds.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1476