Bill > H1902

This bill introduces new legal provisions regarding the use of testifying informants in criminal proceedings in Massachusetts, aimed at improving transparency and reliability of testimony from individuals who may receive benefits for their statements. The bill defines a "testifying informant" as someone testifying about admissions made by an accused and who has requested or may receive a benefit for their testimony. It mandates that district attorneys and the Attorney General's Office create and maintain detailed, centralized records documenting the informant's criminal history, any deals or promises made, and all communications with the informant. The bill requires prosecutors to disclose comprehensive information about the informant, including their criminal history, communication details, inconsistent statements, and previous testimony in other cases. Furthermore, the legislation establishes a mandatory pre-trial reliability hearing where the prosecution must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the informant's testimony is reliable. If the prosecution fails to demonstrate the informant's reliability, the court cannot allow their testimony at trial. The bill also requires prosecutors to notify victims if an informant receives leniency in exchange for their testimony, adding an additional layer of transparency to the criminal justice process.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1902