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MA S2174

MA S2174
Establishing an office of unsolved homicides


summary

Introduced
02/27/2025
In Committee
07/07/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

194th General Court

Bill Summary

For legislation to establish an office of unsolved homicides within the office of the attorney general. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a comprehensive system to address unsolved homicides in Massachusetts, creating two primary mechanisms: an Office of Unsolved Homicides within the Attorney General's office and a statewide Unsolved Homicides Task Force. The Office of Unsolved Homicides will allow immediate family members of homicide victims (defined broadly to include parents, spouses, children, and those in substantive dating relationships) to petition for a review of cases that remain unsolved after three years. Upon receiving a petition, the office must conduct a thorough review within 90 days, analyzing the original investigation, assessing potential new witness interviews, examining physical evidence for additional forensic testing, and updating the case file using current investigative standards. The accompanying Statewide Unsolved Homicides Task Force will comprise representatives from law enforcement, prosecution, and the survivor community, tasked with establishing investigative teams, creating a confidential tip line and website, and providing annual reports on unsolved homicide progress. Additionally, the bill creates a dedicated Unsolved Homicides Task Force Fund, which will be supported by federal grants, private donations, state appropriations, and a portion of asset forfeiture funds, with an initial transfer of $10 million from the General Fund. The goal is to provide comprehensive support, resources, and hope to families of unsolved homicide victims while improving investigative capabilities across the state.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means (on 07/07/2025)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2174
BillText https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2174.pdf
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