Bill > H4466

This bill modernizes the roles and responsibilities of the Victim and Witness Assistance Board by making several key changes. First, the bill requires the board to post summaries of victim rights in courthouses and police stations in digital or printed formats, and to provide these summaries in the top five non-English languages spoken in Massachusetts based on the most recent federal census data. The bill expands the board's 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 garden honoring homicide victims), and administering the SAFEPLAN advocacy program. Additionally, the bill updates language to be more gender-inclusive and modifies provisions related to funds received from seized assets, gifts, grants, and donations. These changes aim to enhance support, accessibility, and resources for victims and witnesses in Massachusetts by broadening the board's mandate and improving communication of victims' rights.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on the Judiciary (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4466