Boston — Survivors of domestic violence, victim advocates and court‑system practitioners told the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on Sept. 21 that GPS monitoring is a critical protection for many survivors and that offenders who tamper with or disable devices should face criminal penalties.

Several survivors described instances where an abuser damaged or removed a GPS bracelet and then returned to threaten or harm the victim. One witness said her abuser “cut off his GPS” and later barricaded himself and fired shots during a subsequent confrontation; others testified that tampering left them without notice or protection for hours. Jordan Penny, a safe‑plan advocate, said courts often treat GPS devices as infallible security measures but that when a device is tampered with, existing remedies are “often pecuniary in nature” and do not address the threat to victims.

Witnesses and advocates asked lawmakers to pass H.1845 and S.1222 to create explicit criminal liability for tampering with GPS monitors, saying the change would hold offenders accountable, preserve victim safety and reinforce court‑ordered protections. They emphasized that tampering is often part of intent to re‑offend or locate a victim and urged the committee to act.

Committee members asked about evidence standards and enforcement; advocates said the bill would reinforce existing court sanctions and provide a clearer basis for arrest. No vote was taken; advocates said they will continue outreach and provided examples of cases where tampering preceded further violence.