MA H1654

Expands the definition of "family member" for crime victims to include grandparents and domestic partners who lived with the victim in a marriage-like relationship

Extends victim services to families of violent crimes including homicide and sexual assault even in cases where formal complaints or indictments have not been issued

Requires courts to delay sentencing by at least one business day if a victim is not present when a defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty, ensuring victims can attend and deliver impact statements

Adds new victim rights including notification of probation violations, bail releases, and the ability to submit impact statements to the sex offender registry board for classification determinations

Establishes an 11-member bail notification special commission to evaluate and recommend improvements to victim notification procedures, with a final report due by December 31, 2026