MA S1063

Expands the definition of "family member" for crime victims to include grandparents and persons with whom the victim lived in a relationship similar to marriage

Extends victim services to victims and family members of violent crimes, including homicide and sexual assault, even in cases where formal complaints or indictments have not been issued

Requires courts to delay sentencing by at least one business day if a victim is not present when a defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty, allowing time for victim notification and opportunity to be heard

Creates new victim notification rights including alerts about probation violations, bail releases, and sex offender classification proceedings, plus guarantees free oral or sign language services for limited English proficient victims

Establishes an 11-member bail notification special commission to evaluate and recommend improvements to victim notification procedures when offenders are released from custody, with a final report due December 31, 2026