MA H1800

Establishes a special legislative commission to identify ways Massachusetts can more effectively deter and prosecute check washing crimes, defined as intercepting and chemically altering checks or money orders to change payee names or dollar amounts for fraudulent deposit

Commission membership includes chairs of the Joint Committees on Financial Services and Consumer Protection, legislative appointees from both parties, the Commissioner of Banks, Secretary of Public Safety, representatives from the Massachusetts Bankers Association and Chiefs of Police Association, and two gubernatorial appointees with postal or federal law enforcement experience

First meeting must convene within 60 days of the act's effective date, with authority to hold public hearings

Investigation scope includes consumer protection measures, appropriate criminal penalties, and more effective prosecution methods

Final report with findings and legislative recommendations due to the House and Senate clerks by June 30, 2026