Bill > H3155

This bill, titled "Relative to the safety of the children in the Commonwealth," aims to enhance the protection of children from sexual predators by amending existing laws concerning sentencing and probation for certain offenses. Specifically, it modifies three sections of chapter 265 of the General Laws: Section 22A, Section 23, and Section 13B. For offenses under Section 22A, the bill mandates a minimum prison sentence of ten years, prohibiting probation, parole, work release, furlough, or good conduct deductions until that ten-year period is served, and removing the court's ability to place offenders on probation under certain circumstances. Similarly, for offenses under Section 23 and Section 13B, the bill establishes a minimum sentence of five years, with the same restrictions on early release mechanisms like probation, parole, work release, furlough, and good conduct deductions until the five-year term is completed, and also limits the court's discretion in granting probation for these violations. The bill also ensures that prosecutions under these sections cannot be dismissed without a finding or simply put on hold (placed on file).