Criminal Justice

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 1262: An Act relative to hate crimes

Based on the provided information, Senate Bill S 1262 is legislation focused on hate crimes. However, the context does not provide further details on specific mechanisms, provisions, or who it directly affects beyond the general subject matter.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeHate crime legislation typically enhances victim protections and accountability, aligning with civil rights and criminal justice reform indicators without restrictive language.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 1894: An Act providing disability compensation for qualified correctional officers

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1894) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to provide disability compensation for qualified correctional officers. Public Service.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides disability compensation for correctional officers, supporting workforce stability in the corrections branch of criminal justice.85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 5, 2025

S 84: An Act to create Cannabis career pathways for justice-involved individuals

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 84) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to create Cannabis career pathways for justice-involved individuals. Cannabis Policy.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates cannabis career pathways for justice-involved individuals, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 11, 2026

H 184: An Act delivering a fair share of cannabis revenue to communities harmed by the war on drugs

This bill directs 50% of Massachusetts' cannabis tax revenue to a Community Reinvestment Fund. It specifically allocates these funds to communities disproportionately impacted by historical drug enforcement policies, particularly communities of color. The key mechanism is a mandatory revenue share from cannabis taxes, managed through the fund to support local economic development and social services. The bill directly affects eligible communities across Massachusetts that have faced systemic harms from the "war on drugs." This is a revenue allocation measure, not a change to cannabis laws or regulations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates 50% of cannabis tax revenue allocation to Community Reinvestment Fund, directly funding community development in impacted areas through fiscal management of tax proceeds.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill directs cannabis tax revenue to communities harmed by historical drug enforcement (war on drugs), promoting criminal justice reform through targeted reinvestment in affected areas.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Drug Policy

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 1711: An Act regarding consistent care for addiction rooted in evidence

By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1711) of John F. Keenan for legislation to require all state and county correctional facilities to provide medication for addiction treatment (MAT) for substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates MAT in correctional facilities, promoting evidence-based rehabilitation to reduce recidivism - directly supports criminal justice reform in corrections.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires MAT in correctional facilities, expanding access to addiction treatment as part of healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1726: An Act relative to incarcerated persons councils

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1726) of Liz Miranda for legislation relative to incarcerated persons councils. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes councils for incarcerated persons' input, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to improve conditions and reduce recidivism.85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 1781: An Act concerning the arrest without a warrant of persons on probation

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1781) of John C. Velis for legislation relative to paper warrants and persons on probation. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAllows warrantless arrests for probationers, reducing judicial oversight and expanding enforcement powers without court approval, contradicting reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Jul 3, 2025

HD 4867: A communication from the District Attorney of Essex County (see Section 70C of Chapter 277 of the General Laws) submitting notification of objections to motions to decriminalize certain offenses

This is not a legislative bill but a procedural communication from the Essex County District Attorney. It formally notifies the legislature of objections to motions seeking to decriminalize certain offenses, referencing Section 70C of Chapter 277 of the General Laws. The communication was filed on July 3, 2025, and does not propose new law or alter existing statutes. It directly affects the legislative process by documenting the DA's position on decriminalization efforts. No voting or policy change is enacted by this filing.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeDA objects to decriminalization motions, opposing efforts to reduce criminalization of certain offenses per Section 70C of Chapter 277.90% confidence

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Aug 21, 2025

HD 5038: An Act further protecting witnesses from intimidation

By Representative Galvin of Canton, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of William C. Galvin relative to protecting witnesses from intimidation. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects witnesses from intimidation, enhancing court integrity and civil rights within criminal justice system95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 21, 2025

H 2682: An Act relative to injured correctional officers

This bill (HD 3186) provides additional pay for correctional officers in county jails or houses of correction who are injured on duty by prisoners or patients. It requires that injured officers receive the difference between their workers' compensation benefits (under Chapter 152) and their full regular salary, in addition to standard benefits. The bill ensures this extra pay applies even for short absences (less than 8 days) and does not count against their available sick leave. It directly affects county correctional officers injured during work by inmates or patients.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides support for injured correctional officers, strengthening correctional workforce protection within criminal justice system.90% confidence

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