Bill > S944

This bill aims to enhance the rights of crime victims in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The key provisions include: 1. Expanding the definition of "victim" to include grandparents and persons with whom the victim lived in a relationship similar to marriage. 2. Clarifying that services provided under the chapter shall be afforded to victims and family members of violent crimes, including homicide and sexual assault, even in matters that have not resulted in complaints or indictments. 3. Providing victims the right to be present and heard at sentencing or the disposition of the case against the defendant, and the right to submit a victim impact statement for the court's consideration. 4. Requiring the court to notify victims of an offender's violation of probation, any sentencing after a finding of a violation, and any motion to modify the sentence or probation, and allowing victims to be heard on such matters. 5. Establishing a special commission to evaluate policies and procedures related to the current bail system and recommend improvements or changes to notification services for victims and family members when an offender is released from custody.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S944