Bill > H2040

This bill, named "Kianna's Law", aims to strengthen protections and notifications for domestic violence victims by making several key changes to existing Massachusetts law. The bill standardizes the duration of temporary restraining orders and abuse prevention orders to consistently be for one year, ensuring more consistent legal protection for victims. It also introduces a comprehensive notification system where law enforcement agencies are required to inform victims and their family members about the status of restraining orders, including when the order has been successfully served, not served, or has expired. The bill mandates that law enforcement can serve orders either by hand delivery to the defendant or at their last known address, and requires the department of criminal justice information services to maintain a public safety information system that allows officers to quickly identify and serve unserved orders. Additionally, the bill requires the victim and witness assistance board to conduct a survey of victim services across local law enforcement agencies, courthouses, and district attorneys' offices, and submit a report within one year detailing their findings and recommendations for improving victim support services. These provisions aim to enhance victim safety and ensure more effective implementation of domestic violence prevention orders.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2040