Bill > H1654

This bill enhances the rights of crime victims in Massachusetts by expanding definitions and notification procedures across several key areas. It broadens the definition of family members to include grandparents and individuals in marriage-like relationships, and defines new terms like "probation officer" and "limited English proficient" to clarify victim support provisions. The bill strengthens victims' rights by ensuring they can receive services even in cases without formal complaints, be present and heard during sentencing, and receive notifications about various stages of legal proceedings, including bail release, probation violation hearings, and sex offender registry classification. Additionally, the bill establishes a special commission to evaluate and improve bail notification services for victims, consisting of 11 members from various criminal justice and victim advocacy organizations. The commission is tasked with submitting a comprehensive report by December 31, 2026, that assesses current notification practices, recommends best practices, and suggests potential policy, regulatory, or statutory changes to better support victims and their families throughout the criminal justice process.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1654