HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 5758        FILED ON: 3/10/2026

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

_________________

PRESENTED BY:

Carlos González

_________________

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
 Court assembled:

 The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act to promote healing for the families of homicide victims.

_______________

PETITION OF:

 

Name:

District/Address:

Date Added:

Carlos González

10th Hampden

3/10/2026


HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 5758        FILED ON: 3/10/2026

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By Representative González of Springfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Carlos González relative to police departments coordinating with the families of homicide victims with quarterly reports on the open investigations related to their family member.  Public Safety and Homeland Security.

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

 

_______________

In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

_______________

 

An Act to promote healing for the families of homicide victims.

 

 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

 SECTION 1. Chapter 66 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 21 the following section:-

 Section 22. Each police department in the commonwealth shall appoint a designated officer, within said department, with trauma and mental health experience, to coordinate with the families of homicide victims with quarterly reports on the open investigations related to their family member.

 The quarterly reports shall include the progress of the police investigation into the homicide and list all available state and local resources for grief counseling and mental health services, a review of police procedures used during the investigation, and efforts to maintain the privacy, cultural and spiritual needs of the victim’s family in accordance with chapter 66A of the General Laws.

 The designated officer shall serve as a liaison between family rights groups and state and local agencies with the capacity to provide services to homicide victim’s families.

 SECTION 2. This act shall be known as the Darrell Lee Jenkins Jr. Memorial Act.

 SECTION 3. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2027.