Bill > S776

This bill amends the definition of "indigent" in Massachusetts law to include individuals receiving certain types of public assistance, those with incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, and those unable to pay fees and costs without depriving themselves or their dependents of necessities. It also changes the term "inmate" to "prisoner" throughout the relevant sections of the law. Additionally, the bill requires the chief probation officer to reassess a person's indigency status if the court receives information causing doubt, and grants the court discretion in determining whether further indigency assessment is necessary if a defendant is charged with a second or further offense while still represented by court-appointed counsel.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S776