Bill > H1985

This bill proposes changes to civil commitment procedures in Massachusetts, specifically modifying how appeals and reviews of certain commitments are handled. The first section changes the appellate venue for civil commitment appeals from the "appellate division of the district courts" to the "Appeals Court", which is a higher-level state court. The second section adds a new provision that allows commitments based on alcohol or substance abuse disorders (under Chapter 123, Section 35) to be initially reviewed by the Superior Court, similar to the process used for pre-trial detentions involving potential dangerousness. The third section expands the jurisdiction of the District Court and Boston Municipal Court's civil session to handle orders of civil commitment. These changes appear designed to streamline and clarify the legal process for reviewing civil commitments, particularly those related to substance abuse, by providing more consistent and potentially more accessible review mechanisms. The bill aims to improve the judicial handling of civil commitment cases by modifying existing statutes related to court jurisdiction and appeal procedures.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1985