Bill > H1640

This bill modernizes the roles and responsibilities of the Victim and Witness Assistance Board by making several key changes. First, it requires the board to post summaries of victim rights in courthouses and police stations in digital or printed formats, with translations available in the top five non-English languages spoken in Massachusetts. The bill updates language to use gender-neutral terminology and expands the board's core responsibilities to include funding and supporting victim services across the Commonwealth, providing informational materials and professional development opportunities, advocating for policy initiatives related to victims' rights, managing the Garden of Peace memorial in Boston (a public memorial honoring homicide victims), and administering the SAFEPLAN advocacy program. The board is also now required to establish bylaws for its internal governance and can receive gifts or grants to support its memorial maintenance. These modifications aim to enhance support, accessibility, and representation for victims and witnesses in the state's legal system, ensuring they have more comprehensive resources and support throughout legal processes.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1640