Criminal Justice in Massachusetts

in committee · Massachusetts · House Aug 18, 2025

H 4395: An Act increasing penalties for hit and runs with recreational vehicles in the Commonwealth to be known as the James Ward Act

H 4395, known as the James Ward Act, increases penalties for hit-and-run incidents involving recreational vehicles (like ATVs or snowmobiles) that cause injury or death. For non-fatal injuries, it adds potential jail time of up to 1 year (previously only fines of $500-$1,000). For fatal collisions, it raises penalties to up to 2.5 years in jail or a $5,000 fine (previously less severe terms). The bill directly affects drivers of snow vehicles or recreational vehicles who flee the scene after causing bodily injury. It modifies existing Massachusetts law to impose stricter consequences for these specific offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections

signed · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 25, 2026

S 2565: An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder

Senate, July 24, 2025 -- Text of the Senate Bill facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder (Senate, No. 2565) (being the text of Senate No. 2558, printed as amended)

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Policing

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 31, 2025

S 2368: An Act to increase opportunity by ending debt-based driving restrictions

SD 1424, "An Act to increase opportunity by ending debt-based driving restrictions," removes criminal penalties for driving without a license when the suspension results from unpaid administrative fees (e.g., reinstatement fees), rather than traffic violations. This directly affects drivers whose licenses were suspended solely for failing to pay such fees, eliminating prosecution for driving under these circumstances. The bill adds a new process allowing applicants to request fee reductions or waivers based on financial hardship when renewing or reinstating a license. It also requires the Registry of Motor Vehicles to send electronic notifications about unpaid assessments to drivers, improving transparency and access to hardship requests.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts

passed both · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 24, 2025

S 2348: An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder

This bill creates "blue envelopes" to improve police interactions with people with autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes, designed with input from police and autism advocates, contain written communication guidance for officers and instructions for attaching them to vehicle sun visors. Upon request, the Registry of Motor Vehicles will provide these envelopes to individuals with autism or their guardians, who can store licenses and insurance inside. The program takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Policing

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 24, 2025

SD 3081: Department of Mental Health Jail Diversion FY24 Annual Report

Report of the Department of Mental Health (pursuant to line item 5046-0000 of Section 2 of Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2024) submitting its Jail Diversion FY24 annual report

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections

passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 30, 2025

H 2686: An Act relative to police interactions with persons on the autism spectrum

HD 3034 requires Massachusetts law enforcement officers and correction officers to complete new in-service training by January 1, 2024, focusing on appropriate interactions with people on the autism spectrum and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The training, which must include at least 2 hours of instruction, covers topics like de-escalation techniques, understanding sensory processing differences, proper interrogation methods, and safe arrest procedures. It directly affects all municipal police departments, sheriff's offices, campus police, and correctional facilities statewide. The bill mandates that training include input from autistic adults and experts to address the unique needs of individuals with these conditions during police encounters.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Policing

in committee · Massachusetts · House Aug 11, 2025

H 4372: An Act related to indigency

H 4372 revises Massachusetts' definition of "indigent" to include individuals receiving specific public benefits (like SNAP or TAFDC), those with income at or below 125% of the federal poverty line, or those unable to pay court fees without sacrificing basic needs like food or shelter (excluding inmates without following specific procedures). It requires courts to order probation officers to reassess indigency status when doubtful, with written reports confirming eligibility. The bill also mandates quarterly reports to legislative committees tracking indigency determinations, misrepresentations of financial information, and changes in eligibility. These changes directly affect people involved in court cases seeking fee waivers or appointed counsel. The bill focuses on clarifying eligibility criteria and improving verification processes for court financial assistance.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 24, 2025

S 2558: An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder

This bill creates standardized blue envelopes to improve police interactions with people who have autism. The envelopes, designed by the state police with input from autism advocates, will include written communication tips for officers and instructions for attaching them to car sun visors. They will also hold a person's driver's license, registration, and insurance cards. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles will provide these envelopes upon request to autistic individuals, their parents, or guardians, starting July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Policing

introduced · Massachusetts · House Apr 14, 2025

HD 4546: A communication from the Executive Office for Housing and Livable Communities (see item 7004-9030 of Section 2 of Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2024) submitting the Stable Start legislative report for fiscal year 2025

HD 4546 is a procedural communication from the Executive Office for Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) submitting the required FY2025 report on the Stable Start program. The report details two reentry housing initiatives: permanent housing vouchers for individuals 55+ (excluding sex offenders) and sponsor-based transitional housing for 18-25 year olds and broader adult populations leaving prison, including funding allocations ($20,316/year average for vouchers, $21,429/year for sponsor programs), participant demographics (e.g., 25.8% Black/African American for vouchers), and service details like housing placement and post-release support.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

introduced · Massachusetts · House May 1, 2025

HD 4591: A communication from the Office of the Worcester County District Attorney (see Section 47(d) of Chapter 94C of the General Laws) submitting a report on its law enforcement trust funds for drug rehabilitation, drug education and other drug or neighborhood crime watch programs for fiscal year 2024

This bill (HD 4591) requires the Worcester County District Attorney's Office to submit an annual report detailing how $26,900 in law enforcement forfeiture funds were spent during fiscal year 2024. The report specifically covers expenditures for drug rehabilitation, drug education, and neighborhood crime watch programs, listing recipients like UMASS Memorial Injury Prevention Program and local organizations such as Sand Stew Inc. and Dismas House of Massachusetts. As a procedural requirement, the bill does not create new policy but mandates transparency in the use of these funds.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

All criminal justice bills