Bill > H1279

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 265 of the General Laws by adding a new provision that would prevent individuals from being charged with assault or assault and battery under certain circumstances related to their mental health. Specifically, if a person is alleged to have committed assault or assault and battery and, at the time of the incident, was either being transported or held under specific sections of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 123 (which deals with mental health services, including involuntary commitment and evaluation) or was determined by mental health professionals to require psychiatric evaluation or treatment, they would not be prosecuted for assault or assault and battery. Instead, these individuals would be provided with mental health evaluation and treatment as outlined in Chapter 123, aiming to ensure access to necessary mental health care rather than criminal penalties in these situations.