Bill > H1458

This bill seeks 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 victims and family members of violent crimes, including homicide and sexual assault, shall be provided services even if a complaint or indictment has not been issued. 3. Ensuring victims have the right to be present and heard at sentencing or the disposition of the case, and to submit a victim impact statement for consideration by the court and the parole board. 4. Requiring notification to victims of certain events, such as a violation of probation hearing, sentencing after a probation violation, and any motion to modify the sentence or probation. 5. Expanding the list of agencies required to provide information to victims, including probation service, parole board, sex offender registry board, and other relevant state entities. 6. Establishing a special commission to evaluate and recommend improvements to the current bail notification system for victims and their families. Overall, this bill aims to enhance the rights and support services available to crime victims throughout the criminal justice process in Massachusetts.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1458