Bill > S2177

This bill establishes a comprehensive approach to addressing unsolved homicides in Massachusetts by creating two key entities: 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, siblings, spouses, and those in dating relationships) to petition for a review of homicide cases that remain unsolved for more than three years. These reviews will include 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 Task Force will be composed of representatives from law enforcement, prosecution, and the survivor community, and will create investigative teams to review cold cases, establish a confidential tip line and website, and coordinate inter-agency cooperation. Additionally, the bill creates a statewide database of unsolved homicides to collect and share case information and establishes a dedicated Unsolved Homicides Task Force Fund, which will receive funding from federal grants, private donations, state appropriations, and a portion of asset forfeiture funds. The initial funding includes a $10 million transfer from the General Fund, with the Attorney General responsible for administering the fund and seeking additional federal grants to support the task force's work.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2177