Amendment ID: S1892-11-R1

Redraft Amendment 11

Assessments on Persons Required to Complete Certified Batterers’ Programs

Mr. Montigny moves to amend the bill in Section 4 as amended, in proposed section 13M of chapter 265 of the General Laws by adding the following paragraph:-

The court shall impose an assessment of $300 against any person who has been referred to a certified batterer’s intervention program.  Said assessment shall be in addition to the cost of the treatment program.  The court may, at its discretion, reduce or waive such assessments, if the court finds that the person is indigent or that payment of the assessment would cause the person, or the dependents of the person, severe financial hardship.  Assessments made pursuant to this paragraph shall be in addition to any other fines, assessments or restitution imposed in any disposition.  All funds collected by the court pursuant to this paragraph shall not be transmitted to the General Fund of the commonwealth but shall be credited to item 4800-3110 of the Massachusetts management and accounting reporting system and shall be used by the department of children and families to support domestic violence prevention services.";

and by adding the following section:-

"SECTION XX.  The department of children and families shall ensure that not less than the amount credited to the trust for private donations under the last paragraph of section 13M of chapter 265 of the General Laws, and contained in item 4800-3110 of the Massachusetts management and accounting reporting system, shall be used to support domestic violence prevention services provided through item 4800-1400."