Bill > S1135

This bill aims to update Massachusetts law to allow electronic signatures for criminal complaints, specifically modifying Sections 22 of Chapter 276 and Section 2 of Chapter 275 of the General Laws. The key provisions permit law enforcement officers to submit criminal complaints electronically and sign them under the penalties of perjury, instead of being physically examined on oath by a court or justice. This change allows for more flexibility in the complaint submission process, enabling officers to electronically subscribe to complaints while still maintaining the legal seriousness of the document by requiring them to affirm its truthfulness under potential perjury consequences. The bill explicitly states that complaints can be subscribed either electronically or in person, giving law enforcement more options for filing criminal complaints while preserving the integrity of the legal process.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1135