Bill > H1527

This bill amends the Massachusetts General Laws to provide additional resources and legal protections for individuals who have been granted a protection order under Chapter 209A. Specifically, the bill requires the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to develop and provide materials to successful plaintiffs of protection orders, which would include information on lawful means of self-defense, required licenses or permits, and how to report potential violations or threats. Additionally, the bill establishes that it is a lawful act of self-defense for a protection order plaintiff to use deadly or non-deadly force against the recipient of the order if they have a reasonable belief that the assailant is about to inflict great bodily harm or death, and there is no duty to retreat from a place the plaintiff has a right to be. This act of lawful self-defense would not be cause for arrest, prosecution, or revocation of certain licenses, and the plaintiff would not be liable for any resulting injuries or death to the assailant.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1527