Bill > H2041

This bill enhances protections for victims of stalking by modifying existing Massachusetts laws to require law enforcement agencies to provide more comprehensive notifications about the status of abuse prevention and harassment prevention orders. Specifically, the bill mandates that when a temporary or permanent order is issued, law enforcement must notify the victim when the order has been successfully served, has not been served within 12 hours (and then every 24 hours thereafter), and when the order expires or becomes ineffective. The bill also updates language in existing statutes to explicitly include harassment prevention orders in provisions related to vacating orders and in sections defining criminal offenses. These changes aim to improve victim safety by ensuring they are promptly and consistently informed about the status of protective orders against their alleged stalkers or abusers, which can help victims take appropriate precautions and understand the legal protections available to them.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2041