MA S1223

Establishes a special commission to study Massachusetts' response to domestic violence and sexual assault victims, with first meeting by December 1, 2025 and report due the same date

Creates specialized domestic violence and sexual assault probation units in superior, Boston municipal, probate and family, and district courts, including dedicated victim advocates employed by external nonprofits

Expands the legal definition of "abuse" under Chapter 209A to include "coercive control," covering behaviors like isolating victims from support networks, depriving them of basic necessities, and controlling their movements, finances, or communications

Increases penalties for violating protective orders to a maximum fine of $10,000 and up to 5 years imprisonment, and makes unauthorized removal of GPS tracking devices a felony with a 2-year mandatory minimum sentence

Strengthens victims' rights in court proceedings, including the right to make statements before sentencing, postponement of hearings if victims are in transit, and minimum one-hour consultation with new prosecutors when case assignments change