The proposed bill, titled "An Act addressing staged suicides," aims to enhance the investigation protocols for deaths of domestic violence survivors in Massachusetts. It introduces a new section to Chapter 6E of the General Laws, mandating the establishment of minimum certification standards for law enforcement officers involved in these investigations. This includes training on identifying staged crime scenes, engaging multidisciplinary teams, and recognizing indicators of domestic homicide in suspicious death cases. The bill defines "suspicious death case" and outlines specific factors that would categorize a death as such, including signs of tampering with the scene and a history of domestic violence.

Additionally, the bill amends Chapter 38 and Chapter 209A of the General Laws to incorporate the new definitions and requirements for handling suspicious death cases. It stipulates that law enforcement must ensure certified personnel investigate these cases, interview relevant individuals, and provide necessary support to the families of the deceased. Furthermore, it grants family members or close friends the right to request investigation records and autopsy reports if a suspicious death is ruled not a homicide. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, with specific provisions applying to investigations initiated after July 1, 2027.

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