An Act to Improve and Modernize the Information Technology Systems and Capacities of the Judiciary

Package from Governor Baker on H. 5163

This is now Chapter 175 of the Acts of 2022,  on https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2022 

On 8/10/22, Pursuant to Section 5 of Article 63 of the Amendments to the Constitution, Governor Baker signed  House Bill 5163, "An Act to Improve and Modernize the Information Technology Systems and Capacities of the Judiciary," and returned one section to you for reconsideration.

This bill authorizes up to $165.5M spending, which will enable the Judiciary to address information technology needs through future capital investment plans. Specifically, this bill supports key investments that will enhance the virtual and physical security infrastructure of court facilities, increase the efficiency of courts systems, modernize administrative processes, and improve court proceedings for the many stakeholders in our justice system.

The bill also includes important changes to the Commonwealth's License to Carry laws as a result of the United States Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen. He supports these changes. Other notable sections included in this bill make improvements to allow the divisions of the Trial Court, Supreme Judicial Court, and Appeals Court to maintain electronic records and to store such records electronically along with other sections to utilize improved technology in court operations. He also signed these sections.

Pursuant to Article LVI, as amended by Article XC, Section 3 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, Governor Baker returned section 54 with recommendations for amendment. His reasons for doing so and the recommended amendments are in a  separate letter dated 8/10/22 in the package above as Attachments A.