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MA H1928
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/27/2025
Primary Sponsor
Francisco Paulino
Click for details
AI Summary
- Requires prosecution to prove accomplice liability through three elements: knowing/voluntary participation, specific intent to facilitate the crime, and substantial direct connection to the offense—mere physical presence is insufficient
- Limits first-degree murder charges to principal perpetrators who personally and directly commit the killing with malice aforethought; accomplices not directly responsible face 2.5 to 25 years imprisonment instead
- Establishes accessory after the fact penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment or $5,000 fine for knowingly aiding offenders post-crime, with reduced penalties for non-violent or coerced assistance
- Applies retroactively to all individuals previously charged or convicted under accomplice, joint venture, or accessory provisions, allowing petitions for sentence re-evaluation
- Mandates the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to conduct a 5-year impact review and report to the General Court on sentencing outcomes and judicial interpretations
Legislative Description
Relative to accomplice and joint venture criminal liability
Last Action
Accompanied a new draft, see H4997
1/29/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/27/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available