Criminal Justice

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 13, 2026

SD 4102: Drug Rehab, Drug Education & Neighborhood Crime Watch Trust Fund

Report of the Cape and Islands District Attorney (pursuant of Section 47(d) of Chapter 94C of the General Laws) submitting its 2026 report relative to the use of monies in the law enforcement trust fund for the purposes of drug rehabilitation, drug education, and other anti-drug or neighborhood crime watch programs

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill reports on funding for drug rehab and education via a law enforcement trust fund, directly supporting criminal justice reform and community safety programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 30, 2026

SD 4078: Violence Prevention Services Funding Structure Commission Final Report

Report of the Special Commission on Violence Prevention Services Funding (pursuant to Section 149 of Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024) submitting its recommendations to the General Court on the commonwealth’s funding structure for gun violence prevention services funding

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds gun violence prevention services, directly addressing crime reduction and public safety within the criminal justice framework.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 13, 2026

S 3159: An Act strengthening GPS tampering Laws

Senate, July 13, 2026 -- The committee on The Judiciary to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1221) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation relative to GPS tampering, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3159).

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthening GPS tampering laws enhances law enforcement capabilities and protects public safety, aligning with supporting criminal justice efforts.85% confidence

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House Jul 9, 2026

HD 5825: A communication from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (see Section 2YYYY of Chapter 29 of the General Laws) submitting a quarterly report on expenditures transferred, credited, or deposited into the Substance Use Disorder Federal Reinvestment Trust Fund (SUD Trust Fund)

This bill requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to submit a quarterly report detailing the money flowing into and out of the Substance Use Disorder Federal Reinvestment Trust Fund. The report must cover revenues from federal reimbursements and other sources used to fund specific services like residential rehabilitation, medication for addiction treatment, and peer recovery coaching. These funds are intended to expand access to substance use disorder treatment and support recovery for individuals across Massachusetts. The document provides a detailed accounting of past spending and outlines future plans to utilize remaining funds for new health initiatives.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds substance use disorder treatment and rehabilitation, which reduces recidivism and supports criminal justice reform by addressing root causes of crime.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates reporting on funds for substance use disorder treatment, expanding access to addiction services and rehabilitation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 16, 2026

SD 4061: Victim and Witness Rights Program Plan

Report of the Worcester District Attorney (pursuant to Section 6 Chapter 258B of the General Laws) submitting its annual Victim Witness Advocate Program Plan

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes a Victim Witness Advocate Program, enhancing support for victims and witnesses, which strengthens the criminal justice system's integrity and victim protection.85% confidence

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Jul 29, 2026

H 5613: An Act to improve care and prepare for the new era of Alzheimer’s and dementia

This bill creates a mandatory dementia training program for law enforcement officers and firefighters to better assist individuals with Alzheimer's and related conditions. It requires new recruits to complete at least two hours of initial training and all active officers to undergo one hour of biannual education, focusing on recognizing symptoms, communicating effectively, and identifying abuse. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new Director of Dementia Care and Coordination within the Department of Health and Human Services to oversee state plans and evaluate the quality of training across various professions. These changes aim to improve safety and care for people with dementia while ensuring first responders and healthcare workers have the necessary skills to handle related situations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates dementia training for law enforcement to improve officer effectiveness and reduce inappropriate interactions with vulnerable individuals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

Track

signed · Massachusetts · House Aug 5, 2026

H 5620: An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment

This bill directs the governor to limit civil immigration enforcement activities within nonpublic areas of state-owned buildings and properties, unless required by federal law or specific state programs. It requires the creation of multilingual guidelines for state agencies, private organizations, and schools on how to verify the authority of immigration officers and handle related interactions. Additionally, the bill empowers the attorney general to file civil lawsuits against any law enforcement officer who violates specific federal statutes regarding immigration enforcement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances police accountability and protects civil rights by limiting immigration enforcement in state buildings and requiring verification guidelines.85% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill restricts civil immigration enforcement activities within state buildings and mandates guidelines on verifying officer authority, limiting state cooperation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 6279: An Act authorizing the appointment of special police officers in the city of Somerville

This bill allows the mayor of Somerville to appoint special police officers to help ensure the safety of city residents. These officers would have the same arrest and enforcement powers as reserve police officers when working within Somerville Housing Authority properties and would be required to complete city-mandated training. The mayor determines the length of their service, but they must be approved by the city council and can be removed with the chief of police's recommendation. Additionally, the police chief has the authority to set specific rules regarding their equipment, uniforms, and medical fitness, while the law explicitly excludes these officers from certain state civil service protections.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill authorizes appointment of special police officers to enhance safety and enforcement within city housing properties, strengthening local law enforcement capabilities.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Jul 8, 2026

HD 6262: An Act relative to strengthening penalties and enforcement of prison contraband laws

By Representative Thurber of Somerset, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Justin Thurber relative to penalties and enforcement of prison contraband laws. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens penalties and enforcement of prison contraband laws, enhancing security and order within the corrections system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

Track

signed · Massachusetts · House Jul 9, 2026

H 5555: An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2027 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements

This bill appropriates state funds for fiscal year 2027 to support various departments, boards, and institutions across the Commonwealth, including specific allocations for healthcare, education, and public safety. It establishes new reporting requirements for certain programs, such as mandating that the Department of Children and Families submit data on enforcement actions and the number of individuals subjected to solitary confinement. The legislation also amends existing laws to increase penalties for specific child sexual offenses and adjusts lottery rules to allow for new game contracts while ensuring prize payouts remain at least 45 percent of revenue. Additionally, the bill modifies the minimum age for certain criminal charges and increases the number of years required for specific legal provisions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates state funds for FY2027 to support departments, boards, and institutions, directly advancing the budget topic.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates reporting on solitary confinement and enforcement actions, enhancing transparency and accountability in corrections.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections