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H 1769

An Act relative to the safety of courthouses and remote court proceedings

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Hunt

Expands court officer authority to include courthouse grounds and remote sites, and grants police powers for nontraditional proceedings to protect jurors, judges, and detainees.

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 1769

Summary: H.1769 - An Act relative to the safety of courthouses and remote court proceedings

Overview

H.1769, introduced February 27, 2025 by Rep. Daniel J. Hunt, seeks to enhance safety at courthouses and in remote or non-traditional court settings. The bill amends the general framework governing court officers to broaden their area of authority and to explicitly acknowledge safety needs during remote and non-court locations where court proceedings occur.

What the bill would change

Section 1 — Expanded premises for court officer assignments

  • Adds to Section 70A of Chapter 221 of the General Laws language after the words “to which they have been assigned” to include: “or on the grounds adjacent to the court, including court parking areas.”
  • Effect: Court officers (and those designated to act as court officers) would be recognized as acting in relation to court business not only inside the courthouse but also on surrounding grounds, including parking and adjacent areas.

Section 2 — Expanded police powers for court officers

  • Adds a sentence granting police powers to said court officers and those authorized to act as court officers when they are attending a court proceeding convened at locations other than a courthouse, when escorting jurors on court business, when escorting a judicial officer, or when participating in the care, custody, or transport of detainees.
  • Effect: Court officers would have enhanced authority in non-traditional settings and during specific court-related activities beyond the confines of the courthouse.

Who would be affected

  • Court officers and individuals authorized to act as court officers under existing law.
  • Jurors, judicial officers, and detainees (in contexts of escort, care, custody, or transport).
  • Remote court proceedings and any satellite or non-traditional locations where court proceedings occur.
  • Court security operations and relevant law enforcement coordination.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025; referred to the Judiciary (House Docket No. 1056).
  • Legislative actions indicate the Senate concurred on February 27, 2025.
  • Hearing status: As of the latest updates, the hearing was rescheduled to November 4, 2025, with times adjusted (A-1 and virtual hearing), reflecting ongoing consideration and scheduling changes.
  • Related bill: HD 1056 (replaces).

Potential impact and implications

  • Strengthened safety and security coverage for courthouses and adjacent grounds, including parking areas.
  • Clearer authority for court officers in non-courthouse settings and during activities involving jurors, judges, or detainees.
  • Formal acknowledgment of safety needs in remote court proceedings, potentially affecting procedures, training, and coordination with other law enforcement agencies.

Notes

  • The bill text is concise, with two primary amendments to Section 70A of Chapter 221 and no explicit fiscal provisions included in the summary.

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

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