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MA H1868
Bill
Status
2/27/2025
Primary Sponsor
Christopher Markey
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AI Summary
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Amends Chapter 276, Section 29 of Massachusetts General Laws to require that only a justice (judge) can set bail for persons arrested on trial default warrants, either in the issuing court or the district where the warrant was executed
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Defendants arrested on trial default warrants may be required to pay all or a portion of court costs imposed by the issuing justice before release
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Creates a new "Trial Default Warrant" classification that must be distinctly identified on docket sheets, the Criminal Offender Registration Index, and the Massachusetts Warrant System (MWS)
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Defines a "Trial Default Warrant" as one issued when a defendant fails to appear for a scheduled trial without justifiable excuse, and the Commonwealth certifies it was ready for trial with witnesses present
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Requires the Commonwealth to file its certification of trial readiness with the clerk on the same day the warrant is issued
Legislative Description
Requiring only a justice to remove a trial default of a defendant who fails to appear at trial
Last Action
Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order
10/20/2025