H4412
An Act relative to witness intimidation
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill addresses the serious issue of witness intimidation in Massachusetts courts. It aims to strengthen protections for witnesses who may be threatened or harmed during legal proceedings. The legislation seeks to enhance existing measures and potentially establish new protocols to safeguard individuals cooperating with the justice system. By tackling witness intimidation, the bill intends to promote fair trials and ensure the integrity of the legal process.
Key provisions
- Addresses witness intimidation within the Massachusetts court system.
- Likely seeks to expand protections for witnesses.
- May include provisions related to reporting and investigating intimidation attempts.
- Could involve training for court personnel on handling witness intimidation cases.
- Potentially aims to clarify legal definitions and procedures surrounding witness intimidation.
Who is affected
- Witnesses in legal proceedings
- Law enforcement
- Courts and the judicial system
- Defense attorneys
- Prosecutors
Notable changes
- The bill likely builds upon existing laws related to witness protection.
- It may introduce new requirements for reporting intimidation incidents.
- Could establish guidelines for court security to safeguard witnesses.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Angelo J. Puppolo Jr.
Cosponsor
Angelo J. Puppolo Jr.
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
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Bill H.4412 194th (Current)
An Act relative to witness intimidation
By Representative Puppolo of Springfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., relative to witness intimidation. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr.
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 7 actions for Bill H.4412
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 7/17/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on House Rules |
| 8/11/2025 | House | Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 8/14/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 11/7/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 |
| 11/18/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-08:00 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 3/26/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) |
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