Domestic violence convictions would require approved treatment programs

A person convicted of a listed crime would have to complete an approved treatment or intervention program. Covered convictions include household-member assault and battery, certain property crimes, repeat battery crimes, and violations of protection orders under the Family Violence Protection Act. The Children, Youth and Families Department would approve the program and set its standards. The provisions would apply to sentences for crimes committed on or after July 1, 2026.

A court could impose the sentence allowed for the conviction if a person violates probation after a suspended or deferred sentence, without credit for probation time. This applies to covered domestic violence convictions when a sentence is suspended or deferred and the person violates a condition of probation. For misdemeanors, total jail and probation time is capped at one year for assault and two years for battery and property crimes. For felonies, the combined period cannot exceed the maximum jail term for the suspended or deferred sentence. The provisions would apply to sentences for crimes committed on or after July 1, 2026.

A court would have to order restitution and require an approved domestic violence treatment or intervention program for a person convicted of violating a protection order. This applies to a person convicted of violating an order under the Family Violence Protection Act. The program must be approved by the Children, Youth and Families Department. The provisions would apply to sentences for crimes committed on or after July 1, 2026.