MA H1799

Creates new criminal offense of "check washing" defined as intercepting and chemically altering checks or money orders to change payee names or dollar amounts

Establishes penalties for check washing: up to 10 years in state prison or $50,000 fine when fraud exceeds $1,200; up to 2 years in jail or $3,000 fine for amounts under $1,200

Expands venue options for prosecuting check fraud cases, allowing legal action in either the jurisdiction where the crime occurred or where the payee bank's main office is located

Amends Chapter 266 of Massachusetts General Laws (Sections 30 and 37) to add the new venue provisions for larceny involving forged, altered, or counterfeit checks