An Act protecting bank employees and customers

This bill (SD 735) increases penalties for armed robberies targeting banks and credit unions in Massachusetts. It mandates a minimum 5-year prison sentence for first-time armed bank/credit union robberies (using firearms or weapons), rising to 15 years for repeat offenses. Non-armed bank/credit union robberies now carry a minimum 30-month sentence. The bill also clarifies court jurisdiction for related cases, allowing lawsuits to be filed where the victim or defendant resides or works.