Bill > H9

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 266 of the General Laws by adding a new section, Section 67D, which defines and penalizes a broader range of fraudulent activities. Specifically, it criminalizes devising or intending to devise any scheme or artifice to defraud the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, its political subdivisions (like cities and towns), or any public authority, by taking money, property, or anything of substantial value, including wrongfully withholding such assets. It also covers obtaining money or property through false pretenses, representations, or promises, and engaging in the unlawful sale or distribution of counterfeit currency or other spurious articles. The penalty for these offenses includes a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment in state prison for up to 5 years, or imprisonment in a house of correction for up to 2 1/2 years, or any combination of these penalties. This expansion of fraud provisions aims to strengthen protections against financial deception targeting public entities.