H1868

Requiring only a justice to remove a trial default of a defendant who fails to appear at trial

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Massachusetts H1868 requires a justice to remove a trial default for a defendant who fails to appear at trial.

Massachusetts H1868 amends Chapter 276 of the General Laws to allow only a justice to remove a trial default for a defendant who fails to appear at trial. This change applies to defendants arrested due to a "Trial Default Warrant," which is issued when a defendant fails to appear for trial and the Commonwealth is ready with witnesses. The bill specifies that such warrants must be distinctly identified and separately processed. The defendant may be subject to bail by a justice in the issuing court or the district where the warrant was executed, and may be required to pay costs before release.

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Jul 29, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing

Jul 29, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 26

House

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

Oct 20, 2025

Joint

Hearing scheduled for 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:10 PM in A-2

Oct 20, 2025

House

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