In 2003, MOVA initiated its ambitious Victim Rights Law Project. An underlying goal of the project has been to encourage open and meaningful dialogue about Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 258B, the Victim Bill of Rights. To that end, MOVA hosted a series of focus groups and roundtable discussions across the Commonwealth, giving stakeholders an opportunity to share what they believed to be the strengths and areas for improvement in Chapter 258B. Based upon the feedback we received, legislation to amend and enhance Chapter 258B was drafted. We are extremely pleased and proud to announce that on December 1, 2004, Senate Bill No. 838, An Act to Protect and Enhance the Rights of Child and Adult Victims and Witnesses of Crime, was filed by lead sponsors Senator Frederick E. Berry and Representative Peter J. Koutoujian. In the weeks that followed, approximately 25 additional legislators signed on to the legislation as co-sponsors. The legislation was referred to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary for a hearing held on June 7, 2005. Over 20 people, including survivors, legislators, law enforcement and providers tesitified in person to support our bill. In addition, may expressed their support through written testimony submitted to the Committees. If you are interested in submitting written testimony, please contact Rebecca O'Connor. We will work to continually update interested parties via this listserv as well as our website. Please contact MOVA's Policy Analyst & Legislative Liaison, Rebecca O'Connor, if you would like to learn more about this legislation and how you might assist in ensuring its swift and smooth passage through the legislature in the months ahead. Text of Bill. Fact Sheet for this Bill.