BOSTON, MA. – In response to the recent surge of violent attacks against law enforcement officers and growing public disorder across Massachusetts, State Representative Steven Xiarhos (R–Barnstable) filed two major public safety bills aimed at strengthening accountability, protecting police officers, and restoring respect for law and order throughout the Commonwealth.
Xiarhos is a member of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security and was previously in law enforcement.
Xiarhos’ Office states that the first bill, HD5223, titled An Act relative to penalties for assault and battery on a police officer, seeks to make assault and battery upon a police officer a felony offense, punishable by up to 5 years in state prison or up to 2½ years in a house of correction. The bill also prohibits suspended sentences or early release until a minimum of 90 days is served…