Bill > H1750

This bill aims to enhance protections for victims of stalking by modifying existing Massachusetts laws to improve notifications and legal procedures related to abuse and harassment prevention orders. Specifically, the bill requires law enforcement agencies to notify victims under three key circumstances: (1) when a temporary or permanent abuse or harassment prevention order has been successfully served to the defendant, (2) when an order has not been served within 12 hours and subsequently every 24 hours until service is complete (including explaining the effect of non-service on the order's validity), and (3) when an order has expired or become ineffective. The bill also makes technical amendments to existing statutes (chapters 209A, 258E, and 265) to expand the legal framework around harassment prevention orders, potentially allowing for more comprehensive legal action against individuals who violate these orders. These changes are designed to keep victims informed about the status of protective orders and provide clearer legal mechanisms for addressing potential violations, ultimately enhancing victim safety and support.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1750