Bill > H1783

This bill proposes to eliminate state-funded legal counsel for sex offenders during classification hearings. Specifically, the bill removes provisions in existing Massachusetts law that currently require the state to provide free legal representation to sex offenders who are determined to be indigent (unable to afford their own lawyer) during classification hearings. Under the current law, sex offenders are informed of their right to have counsel appointed if they cannot afford a lawyer, and the state would pay for their legal representation. The bill strikes these provisions from two sections of Massachusetts General Laws (Chapter 6, Sections 178L and 178M), leaving only the requirement that offenders have the right to retain counsel at their own expense. This change means that sex offenders who cannot afford a lawyer will now have to represent themselves or find alternative means of obtaining legal representation during classification hearings. The bill does not change the underlying process of sex offender classification hearings, only the provision of state-funded legal counsel.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1783