Bill > S1259

This bill aims to enhance asset recovery and victim restitution in cases involving sexual offenses by establishing several key provisions. First, the bill mandates that lottery prize winners convicted of specific sexual offense violations under Massachusetts law (sections 22-24C, 50, or 51 of chapter 265) will be ineligible to receive any remaining portion of their lottery prize, and such funds will be returned to the State Lottery and Gaming Fund. Second, the bill allows for the forfeiture of monies used or intended to be used to facilitate sexual offenses, including funds exchanged for forced labor or sexual servitude, which can then be made available to victims as court-ordered restitution. Additionally, the bill expands the categories of property subject to forfeiture to include monies received from state funds or commissions (such as lottery prizes) that were involved in facilitating sexual offenses. These provisions are designed to both punish offenders by removing their access to potential financial gains and provide a mechanism for compensating victims of sexual crimes, thereby serving both punitive and restorative justice objectives.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1259