Bill > H1467

This bill amends existing law to clarify the consequences for witnesses who refuse to testify after being granted immunity, which is a legal protection preventing their testimony from being used against them in future criminal proceedings. Specifically, if a witness is ordered by a judge of the Supreme Judicial Court, Appeals Court, or Superior Court to testify or produce evidence after receiving immunity, and they refuse, the Attorney General or District Attorney must initiate contempt proceedings. If found in contempt, an adult witness (18 or older) can be imprisoned for up to the maximum penalty for the crime being investigated or until they comply with the court's order, whichever comes first. A witness under 18 found in contempt will be committed to the Department of Youth Services for up to one year or until they comply with the court's order. The bill also specifies that standard rules for criminal appeals will apply to any appeals made under this section.