Bill > S1271

This bill introduces several changes to Massachusetts law aimed at protecting public safety, particularly concerning criminal offenders. First, it creates a new criminal offense where individuals intentionally remove, destroy, damage, or interfere with geolocation monitoring devices used for tracking individuals on pretrial release, probation, or parole. First-time offenders can be imprisoned for up to 2.5 years in a house of correction, while repeat offenders face up to 5 years in state prison. The bill also expands the list of offenses that can impact bail eligibility, adding specific sex offenses involving children and various other criminal violations. Additionally, the legislation mandates that for certain serious offenses involving abuse or identified victims, law enforcement and court systems must make "reasonable efforts" to notify the alleged victim before releasing a charged individual, with a maximum 6-hour delay permitted to facilitate victim notification. These provisions aim to enhance victim protection, ensure offender accountability, and provide additional safeguards in the criminal justice process.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1271