H 2037
An Act relative to domestic abuse protection, "Katherine's Law"
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill, known as "Katherine’s Law," aims to strengthen protections for victims of domestic abuse in Massachusetts. It expands the definition of ‘abuse’ to include certain electronic monitoring and communication, and it allows victims to obtain a criminal protective order even if the abuser has not been formally charged with a crime. The law also provides for increased penalties for abusers who violate protective orders and establishes a process for victims to request that their address be added to a registry of domestic violence offenders. This legislation seeks to enhance the safety and security of individuals experiencing domestic violence.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of ‘abuse’ to include electronic monitoring and communication.
- Allows victims to obtain a criminal protective order without formal charges.
- Increases penalties for violating protective orders.
- Establishes a process for adding addresses to a domestic violence offender registry.
- Addresses the use of technology in domestic abuse cases.
Who is affected
- Victims of domestic abuse
- Abusers of domestic violence
- Family members of victims
- Law enforcement agencies
- The Judiciary
Notable changes
- Broadens the scope of prohibited behaviors in domestic abuse cases.
- Provides a pathway for protective orders even before criminal charges are filed.
- Reinforces the enforcement of protective orders.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Marcus S. Vaughn
Cosponsor
Marcus S. Vaughn
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Bill H.2037 194th (Current)
An Act relative to domestic abuse protection, "Katherine's Law"
By Representative Vaughn of Wrentham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2037) of Marcus S. Vaughn relative to domestic abuse protection. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Marcus S. Vaughn
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.2037
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 6/11/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/17/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/17/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 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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