H 1760
An Act to provide equitable sentencing for felony murder
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill aims to ensure fairer sentencing in cases involving felony murder. Currently, the law can lead to disproportionately harsh penalties, particularly when defendants are involved in crimes but not the primary actors. The bill seeks to address these issues by promoting more equitable sentencing practices related to felony murder convictions. It intends to reduce sentencing disparities and ensure that culpability is appropriately reflected in the punishment.
Key provisions
- Addresses sentencing disparities in felony murder cases.
- Aims to promote more equitable sentencing practices.
- Focuses on reducing overly harsh penalties.
- Seeks to align sentencing with the degree of involvement in the crime.
Who is affected
- Defendants convicted of felony murder
- Victim’s families
- The Massachusetts criminal justice system
Notable changes
- The bill intends to modify existing sentencing guidelines for felony murder.
- It may introduce considerations for a defendant's role in the crime when determining punishment.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Russell E. Holmes
Cosponsor
Russell E. Holmes
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Bill H.1760 194th (Current)
An Act to provide equitable sentencing for felony murder
By Representative Holmes of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1760) of Russell E. Holmes relative to sentencing for felony murder. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Russell E. Holmes
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill H.1760
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 9/16/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 09/23/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 1/29/2026 | House | Accompanied a new draft, see H4997 |
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