MA H1521

Bill

MA H1521

To improve access to justice during the COVID-19 state of emergency

Introduced
03/29/2021

In Committee
03/29/2021

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
12/31/2022

Introduced Session

192nd General Court

Bill Summary

For legislation to improve access to justice during the COVID-19 state of emergency. The Judiciary.

AI Summary

This bill aims to improve access to justice during the COVID-19 state of emergency. It amends Section 26A of Chapter 218 of the General Laws to allow individuals found guilty of certain misdemeanor or felony crimes, such as operating a vehicle under the influence or drug-related offenses, to appeal the finding of guilt or sentence to a jury-of-six session, even if they initially waived their right to a jury trial. The bill also provides exceptions where the right to a trial de novo is not available, such as for repeat offenders of operating under the influence. Additionally, the bill allows the District Attorney to object to cases eligible for this process if a necessary witness is unable to participate due to COVID-19 exposure or health risks. This provision is set to expire one year after the effective date of the act, but the governor can extend it in 90-day increments in the interest of justice.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (4)

Michael Day (D)*, Paul McMurtry (D), Matt Muratore (R), Lindsay Sabadosa (D),

Last Action

Accompanied a study order, see H4844 (on 06/09/2022)

Official Document

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1521

(13 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1521
Bill	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1521.pdf

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
H1298	Relative to health care eligibility for those affected by COVID-19	Accompanied a study order, see H5201	Similar To
H1434	To prevent COVID-19 evictions and foreclosures and promote an equitable housing recovery	Accompanied a study order, see H5268	Similar To
H1868	Regarding decarceration and COVID-19	Accompanied a study order, see H4844	Similar To
H2055	Relative to compensation for paramedics and emergency medical technicians providing ambulance services during the COVID-19 Massachusetts State of Emergency	Accompanied a study order, see H5023	Similar To
H2975	Relative to sales tax on certain items during the state of emergency due to COVID-19	Accompanied a study order, see H5245	Similar To
H3456	Relative to work and family mobility during and subsequent to the COVID-19 emergency	Accompanied a new draft, see H4459	Similar To
H3872	Similar Bills	Published as amended, see H3874	Similar To
H3874	Similar Bills	See S2472	Similar To
H4844	Study Order	Discharged to the committee on House Rules	Replaced by
H536	Relative to filing fees for limited liability companies during the state of emergency due to COVID-19	Accompanied a study order, see H5004	Similar To
S1621	Relative to emergency hazard health duty	Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means	Similar To
S1897	Providing financial relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic	Accompanied a study order, see H5250	Similar To
S2401	Providing COVID-19 emergency financial relief for veterans	Accompanied a study order, see S2680	Similar To

Bill > H1521

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

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