Bill > H1617

This bill amends an existing Massachusetts law (Chapter 209A) to expand judicial discretion in issuing permanent abuse prevention orders. Specifically, the bill allows a Superior Court judge, at the time of sentencing for certain serious criminal offenses involving violence or abuse, to issue a permanent protective order upon the request of a victim who is a family member, household member, or in a substantial dating relationship with the defendant. This can occur even if the original protective order was issued by a different court (such as Boston Municipal, District, or Probate Court) and even if the victim is a minor. The list of qualifying offenses is extensive and includes serious crimes like assault, battery, rape, kidnapping, stalking, and witness intimidation. The permanent order can be issued without a further hearing, based solely on the facts of the case being considered during sentencing, provided that an active protective order already exists. The goal of the bill appears to be providing long-term protection for victims of violence by giving judges more flexibility in extending protective measures during criminal sentencing.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1617