H 4633
An Act relative to restraining orders as they pertain to hate crimes
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Bill overview
This bill amends Massachusetts law to clarify the definition of ‘harassment’ and ‘assault’ and ‘battery’ within the context of hate crimes. Specifically, it expands the definition of harassment to include repeated acts of intimidation or abuse based on protected characteristics, and modifies the penalties for assault and battery committed with the intent to intimidate due to a person’s race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. It also clarifies the definition of ‘immediate family member’ for purposes of these offenses.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of ‘harassment’ to include repeated acts of intimidation or abuse based on protected characteristics.
- Modifies the penalties for assault and battery committed with the intent to intimidate due to a person’s race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
- Clarifies the definition of ‘immediate family member’ for the purposes of the law.
- Updates definitions of ‘Court’, ‘Harassment’ and ‘Abuse’ and ‘Assault’ and ‘Battery’ within the existing legal framework.
- Addresses specific chapters of the General Laws related to assault, battery, and stalking.
- Refers to specific sections of Chapter 265 related to criminal offenses.
Who is affected
- Individuals targeted by hate crimes
- Victims of assault and battery
- Criminal defendants accused of hate crimes
- Law enforcement agencies
- The judicial system
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Cosponsors
Amy Mah Sangiolo
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Bill H.4633 194th (Current)
An Act relative to restraining orders as they pertain to hate crimes
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on the Judiciary Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill History Cosponsors Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4633
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 10/23/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on The Judiciary |
| 10/23/2025 | House | New draft of H1608 |
| 10/23/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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