Bill > H1174

This bill, titled "Relative to Child Welfare," proposes to increase the penalties for assault and battery upon a child by amending Section 13J of Chapter 265 of the General Laws. Specifically, it modifies paragraphs 8 and 9 of this section, which likely deal with the sentencing for such offenses. The changes remove the previous punishment of imprisonment for not more than two and one-half years in the house of correction and replace it with a more severe penalty. The new penalty allows for imprisonment in the state prison for up to ten years, or continued imprisonment in the house of correction for up to two and one-half years, or a fine of up to ten thousand dollars, or a combination of both fine and imprisonment. This legislation aims to provide a stronger deterrent and more significant consequences for those who commit assault and battery against children.