Bill > S1109

This bill proposes to add a new section to Massachusetts law that specifically addresses criminal liability in suicide-related situations. The bill defines key terms such as "suicide" (death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with intent to die), "suicide attempt" (non-fatal self-directed behavior with intent to die), and "suicidal ideation" (thinking about or planning suicide). It establishes criminal penalties of up to 5 years in state prison for individuals who have knowledge of another person's suicidal intentions and either: (1) exercise substantial control over the person through manipulative means, intentionally coerce or encourage them to die by suicide, and the person subsequently dies or attempts suicide; or (2) intentionally provide physical means or assistance for suicide, and the person subsequently dies or attempts suicide. The bill includes an important exception for medical treatments lawfully administered by licensed physicians, and stipulates that a person found guilty under this section cannot also be prosecuted for manslaughter. The goal appears to be preventing manipulative or coercive behaviors that could contribute to another person's suicide, while providing clear legal definitions and consequences for such actions.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1109