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MA H1666

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/27/2025

Primary Sponsor

David DeCoste

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

194th General Court

AI Summary

  • Establishes capital punishment (death penalty) for adults 18 and older who murder law enforcement officers, defined as correction officers, police officers, sheriffs, or deputy sheriffs
  • Applies when the defendant knew the victim was a law enforcement officer performing duties or killed the officer in retaliation for performing duties
  • Requires a presentence hearing before a jury to determine whether death or life imprisonment without parole is imposed, based on weighing aggravating and mitigating circumstances
  • Lists 10 aggravating circumstances including murder during incarceration, prior violent crime convictions, murder-for-hire, torture, use of explosives, and murder during commission of other felonies
  • Lists 8 mitigating circumstances including no prior criminal history, defendant under duress or mental impairment, age over 75, prior abuse by the victim, and PTSD from military service

Legislative Description

Relative to capital punishment for the murder of law enforcement officers

Last Action

Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order

9/16/2025

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/27/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available