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HD 4026

An Act relating to threats of suicide while in court custody (Stavri’s Law)

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Brian Ashe and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill creates mandatory suicide threat protocols for individuals in court custody, requiring assessments, agency notifications, and mental health coordination to prevent deaths.

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Bill Summary · HD 4026

Legislative bill overview

HD 4026 establishes protocols and protections for individuals in court custody who express suicidal threats or ideation. The bill, named "Stavri's Law," creates mandatory procedures for assessment, notification, and care coordination when such threats occur during court proceedings or while in custody-related settings.

Why is this important

Suicide is a leading cause of death in custody and correctional settings, and gaps in communication between court systems and mental health providers can delay critical intervention. This bill addresses a public health gap by formalizing how courts and custodial agencies respond to suicide risk, potentially preventing deaths and ensuring individuals receive appropriate mental health services.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource and implementation costs: Creating new protocols requires staff training, mental health assessments, and coordination infrastructure that may strain court budgets
  • Privacy and information-sharing concerns: Mandating notification and care coordination involves sharing sensitive mental health information across multiple agencies, raising questions about data protection and consent
  • Scope and liability questions: Unclear definitions of what constitutes reportable "threats," who bears responsibility for assessments, and whether courts/agencies face liability if interventions fail
  • Equity in application: Risk that implementation varies across jurisdictions, potentially creating inconsistent protections based on geography or court capacity

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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