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HD 5223

An Act relative to penalties for assault and battery on a police officer

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kelly Dooner and 9 co-sponsors

Raises penalties for assaulting a police officer on duty: up to 5 years in state prison, or 2.5 years in a house of correction, plus $10,000 fine; no suspension or probation.

Referred to the committee on House Rules
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Bill Summary · HD 5223

Summary: HB 5223 – An Act relative to penalties for assault and battery on a police officer

Overview

HB 5223, introduced on October 15, 2025, and referred to the House Rules Committee, would strengthen penalties for assaults and batteries committed against police officers while the officers are performing their duties. The bill amends Chapter 265 of the General Laws, replacing existing Section 13D with new language that sets explicit penalties and procedural requirements for such offenses.

What the bill would change

  • Replaces current Section 13D of Chapter 265 with a new provision titled “Assault and Battery Upon a Police Officer.”
  • Establishes that anyone who commits an assault and battery on a police officer (as defined in section 1 of chapter 90C) who is engaged in duties at the time of the offense is subject to enhanced penalties.

Key provisions and penalties

  • Penalties:
    • Imprisonment in state prison for up to 5 years, or imprisonment in a house of correction for up to 2.5 years.
    • Or a fines up to $10,000.
    • Or both imprisonment and fine.
  • Sentencing conditions:
    • No sentence under this section may be suspended.
    • A person convicted under this section is not eligible for probation, parole, furlough, or work release until at least 90 days of the sentence have been served.
  • Prosecution and disposition:
    • A prosecution under this section shall not be continued without a finding (i.e., no “continuance without a finding”) nor placed on file.
  • Definitions:
    • “Police officer” includes constables, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, state police troopers, municipal police officers, environmental police officers, university/college police officers, and any other law enforcement officer empowered to make arrests under Massachusetts law (as defined in the statute).

Who and what is affected

  • Offenders who assault or batter a police officer performing duties.
  • A wide range of law enforcement personnel across local, state, environmental, university/college, and other authorized policing roles.
  • The act pertains to the formal charging, sentencing, and disposition process for these offenses under Massachusetts law.

Procedural timeline and status

  • Filed: October 8, 2025
  • Introduced: October 15, 2025
  • Status: Referred to the Committee on House Rules (as of the 2025 legislative session)

Potential impact

  • Elevates the seriousness of offenses against law enforcement by imposing harsher penalties and removing options for suspended sentences or early release.
  • Tightens prosecution and disposition requirements for these offenses.
  • Broadens the statutory definition of eligible officers to include various sworn law enforcement roles, ensuring protections across multiple agencies.

Note: This summary reflects the bill text as filed and the stated legislative status. The measure would take effect only if enacted into law following the legislative process.

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

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