Bill > H2005

This bill amends section 38B of chapter 127 of the General Laws to establish enhanced criminal penalties for individuals who are currently confined in correctional facilities (such as jails, houses of correction, detention facilities, or state prisons) and commit assault or assault and battery using dangerous weapons against correctional personnel. Specifically, the bill defines "dangerous weapon" broadly to include both commercially manufactured and custom/homemade objects designed or intended to be used as weapons. Under the proposed legislation, individuals who commit such assaults would face significant potential imprisonment, with a maximum sentence of 2.5 years in a jail or house of correction, or up to 20 years in a state prison. Importantly, any sentence imposed would commence after the completion of any existing outstanding sentences, which means the new penalty would be added consecutively to any current incarceration terms. The bill aims to provide stronger legal protections for correctional officers, employees, volunteers, and contractor personnel by creating more substantial consequences for violent attacks within correctional settings.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2005