Bill > S849

This bill amends Chapter 265 of the General Laws in Massachusetts to introduce a new "guilty, except insane" verdict for defendants charged with murder. Under this provision, a defendant can be found guilty except insane if they were afflicted with a mental disease or defect that prevented them from knowing their criminal act was wrong. The bill also outlines the evaluation and commitment process for such defendants, including a mandatory minimum 10-year commitment to Bridgewater State Hospital or another secure mental health facility, followed by potential additional one-year commitments. Defendants found guilty except insane will also be placed under the supervision of the probation department for at least 5 years upon release, with intensive treatment as a condition of probation. Additionally, the bill eliminates the "not guilty by reason of insanity" verdict for murder charges.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S849