Bill
Bill > H1584
MA H1584
MA H1584Establishing a mandatory sentence for destruction, defacement or damage to burial tombs and grave markers
summary
Introduced
02/27/2025
02/27/2025
In Committee
02/27/2025
02/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
194th General Court
Bill Summary
By Representative Ayers of Quincy, a petition of Bruce J. Ayers that provision be made for a minimum mandatory sentence for the willful destruction of burial tombs and grave markers. The Judiciary.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a mandatory minimum sentence for individuals who intentionally destroy, deface, or damage burial tombs and grave markers by amending Section 73 of Chapter 272 of the Massachusetts General Laws. Specifically, the bill requires that any fine imposed for such an offense must be at least one thousand dollars and mandates a minimum six-month jail sentence without the possibility of early release, probation, parole, or furlough. The legislation ensures that anyone convicted under this section must serve at least six months of their sentence before being eligible for any sentence reductions, and it prohibits prosecutors from continuing the case without a finding or placing it on file. By removing judicial discretion in sentencing, the bill aims to create a strict punitive approach to protect burial sites and show respect for memorials of deceased individuals, likely in response to instances of vandalism or desecration of graves.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing (13:00:00 10/21/2025 A-2) (on 10/21/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1584 |
| BillText | https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1584.pdf |
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