Bill > H1840

This bill enhances safety and security in Massachusetts courthouses by modifying three existing laws to increase penalties for specific criminal offenses related to judicial proceedings. First, the bill creates a new section in Chapter 265 that establishes heightened penalties for assault or assault and battery committed on judicial department property during court sessions, with potential punishments including up to three years in state prison, two and a half years in jail, or a fine of up to $25,000. Second, the bill amends Chapter 268 to strengthen penalties for willfully disrupting court proceedings, allowing for imprisonment up to two and a half years or three years in state prison, or a fine up to $5,000, while preserving courts' existing contempt powers. Third, the bill modifies Chapter 275 to specifically address threats against judicial department personnel, including judges, court employees, prosecutors, and attorneys, by establishing potential imprisonment up to two and a half years or three years in state prison, or a fine up to $5,000, for threats made due to a person's official duties. These changes are designed to protect court personnel and maintain the integrity and safety of judicial proceedings by creating more significant legal consequences for potentially dangerous or disruptive behaviors.