Bill > H2160

This bill expands protections against domestic violence by amending Section 13A of Chapter 265 of the General Laws. It adds references to specific sections of Chapter 276, which likely deal with criminal procedure or related offenses, to existing domestic violence provisions. Furthermore, the bill introduces a new clause that increases penalties for domestic violence offenses committed against a family or household member if the perpetrator has a prior conviction for a wide range of serious crimes, including various offenses related to assault, burglary, arson, explosives, firearms, and certain sex offenses. The bill also clarifies the definition of "family or household member" to include individuals who are or were married, cohabited within the last five years, are related by blood, share a child, or have been in a substantial dating or engagement relationship within the last five years, with specific factors outlined to determine what constitutes a "substantial" relationship.