The bill aims to modernize the roles and responsibilities of the victim and witness assistance board by amending several sections of chapter 258B and chapter 10 of the General Laws. Key changes include the requirement for courthouses and police stations to prominently display a summary of victims' rights in both digital and printed formats, provided by the board in the top five languages spoken in the Commonwealth, as determined by the latest federal census data. Additionally, the bill updates the language used in the law to be more inclusive, replacing "him" with "them."

Further amendments to section 4 of chapter 258B establish new responsibilities for the board, including the creation of bylaws for internal governance, funding and supporting victim services, providing educational opportunities for various stakeholders, advocating for policy initiatives related to victims' rights, managing the Garden of Peace memorial, and administering the SAFEPLAN advocacy program. The bill also modifies the funding structure for related programs by clarifying the sources of revenue for the funds established under chapter 10, ensuring that they include proceeds from seized assets and donations.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 258B-3, 10-66