Bill > H3072

This bill amends Chapter 279 of the General Laws to provide community-based sentencing alternatives for primary caretakers of dependent children convicted of non-violent crimes. The key provisions are: 1) It defines key terms such as "dependent child", "non-violent offense", and "primary caretaker of a dependent child". 2) It requires the sentencing court to determine if the convicted person is a primary caretaker of a dependent child. If so, the court must impose an individually assessed sentence focused on community rehabilitation, parent-child unity, and support services such as drug/alcohol treatment, domestic violence education, job training, and parenting classes. 3) The court can modify the conditions of the sentence, decrease its duration for successful advancement, or impose imprisonment for violations of the sentence conditions. The goal is to provide alternative, community-based sentencing options for parents convicted of non-violent crimes in order to maintain family unity and provide rehabilitation services.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H3072