H1697

Relative to psychological evaluations for persons considered a danger to themselves or others

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Massachusetts H1697 mandates psychiatric evaluations for individuals subject to extreme risk protection orders.

Massachusetts H1697 amends existing law to require courts to order psychiatric evaluations for individuals subject to extreme risk protection orders. The evaluation, conducted by a licensed mental health professional within ten days of the order's issuance, must assess the individual's mental health status, history of violence or self-harm, and ability to handle firearms safely. The evaluation results must be submitted to the court for review. The Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Trial Court, will create regulations to implement these provisions.

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  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

0
2
RR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Nov 18, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing

Nov 18, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 26

House

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)

Nov 18, 2025

Joint

Hearing rescheduled to 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-08:00 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time

Nov 18, 2025

House

Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order