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H 1928

An Act relative to accomplice and joint venture criminal liability

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Frank Moran and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill modifies criminal accomplice and joint venture liability standards, affecting how courts determine responsibility for crimes involving multiple participants.

Hearing scheduled for 09/23/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · H 1928

Legislative bill overview

H 1928 proposes to modify Massachusetts criminal law regarding accomplice liability and joint venture criminal responsibility. The bill adjusts how courts determine when someone can be held criminally responsible for crimes committed by others based on their participation, knowledge, or agreement to participate in criminal activity.

Why is this important

Accomplice and joint venture liability laws directly affect how broadly criminal culpability extends beyond the person who physically commits a crime. Changes to these standards influence charging decisions, trial outcomes, and sentencing exposure for individuals who may have minimal direct involvement in criminal acts, making this consequential for criminal justice administration and defendants' rights.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of liability expansion vs. narrowing: Stakeholders may dispute whether the bill makes it easier or harder to prosecute accomplices, with law enforcement potentially favoring broader liability and criminal defense advocates seeking stricter limitations on accomplice charges
  • Foreseeability standards: The definition of what criminal outcomes an accomplice should have "foreseen" or anticipated is often contested, with disagreement over how predictable actions must be to establish liability
  • Distinction between presence and participation: The bill likely addresses whether mere presence at a crime scene, knowledge of a crime, or failure to prevent it constitutes sufficient participation for criminal liability—a contentious line in practice

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

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