H 4372
An Act related to indigency
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Bill overview
This bill amends definitions related to ‘indigent’ within Massachusetts law, expanding the criteria to include recipients of various public assistance programs and those unable to pay legal fees without sacrificing necessities. It also establishes a process for courts to reassess a person’s indigency status if there’s doubt, and requires the Department of Probation to submit quarterly reports detailing indigency determinations and related data. These changes aim to clarify eligibility for legal aid and ensure accurate identification of individuals in need.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of ‘indigent’ to include recipients of specific public assistance programs.
- Establishes a process for courts to reassess a person’s indigency status if there’s uncertainty.
- Requires the Department of Probation to submit quarterly reports on indigency determinations.
- Modifies the criteria for determining indigency regarding the ability to pay legal fees.
- Eliminates bi-annual reassessments for first-time offenders.
- Removes subsections related to counsel appointment based on indigency.
- Requires reporting of individuals found to have misrepresented financial information.
Who is affected
- Individuals seeking public assistance
- Low-income individuals
- Defendants in legal proceedings
- The Department of Probation
- House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Cosponsor
Daniel J. Hunt
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Bill H.4372 194th (Current)
An Act related to indigency
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on the Judiciary Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Cosponsors Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4372
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 8/11/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on The Judiciary |
| 8/11/2025 | House | New draft of H1768 |
| 8/11/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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