Bill > H2238

This bill aims to improve safety and security within courthouses by introducing stricter penalties for certain offenses. Specifically, it proposes to make assaults and assault and battery committed on Massachusetts judicial department property while courts are in session or open to the public a felony offense, punishable by up to three years in state prison or two and a half years in jail, along with a potential fine of up to $25,000. The bill also increases the penalties for willfully disrupting court proceedings, elevating it from a misdemeanor to a felony with potential imprisonment of up to three years in state prison or two and a half years in jail, and a fine of up to $5,000. Furthermore, it establishes enhanced felony penalties, including imprisonment up to three years in state prison or two and a half years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000, for threats of bodily injury against court staff, jurors, prosecutors, and attorneys due to their official duties, while clarifying that these changes do not prevent courts from exercising their contempt powers.