Criminal Justice (Policing)

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

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 6274: An Act providing for the appointment of retired police officers as special police officers in the town of Acushnet

This bill allows the town of Acushnet to hire retired full-time police officers as special police officers to assist with police duties. To qualify, these individuals must have voluntarily retired due to age, maintain their own health insurance, and pass a medical exam, and they are exempt from certain state laws regarding age limits and specific employment protections. While they will have the same arrest powers as regular officers and must follow department rules and training requirements, they will be paid only for the specific details they work and will not receive additional town benefits or benefits tied to their previous retirement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances local law enforcement capacity by allowing retired officers to serve as special police, strengthening community safety and justice administration.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 6218: An Act directing the city of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police officers for Jorge Enriquez

This bill directs the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age limit for hiring police officers specifically for an individual named Jorge Enriquez. Under the legislation, Enriquez would be eligible for appointment as a police officer if he satisfies all other standard requirements set by the department. The law overrides existing state and city regulations that typically cap the age for original appointment to the force. It takes effect immediately upon passage and applies only to this specific candidate rather than changing general hiring rules for future applicants.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill waives age limits to allow an individual to join the police force, enhancing law enforcement staffing and diversity.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

HD 5797: A communication from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (see item 8000-0125 of Section 2 of Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025) submitting the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) annual report for fiscal year 2025

This document is an annual report submitted by the Sex Offender Registry Board to state legislative committees detailing its efforts to maintain accurate records of convicted sex offenders. The report outlines how the board collaborates with various state agencies, such as the Registry of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Children and Families, to share data and verify the addresses of individuals required to register. It explains that when discrepancies are found, local police conduct audits to confirm an offender's location and ensure compliance with registration laws. The report also highlights plans to formalize data-sharing agreements and improve technological systems to enhance public safety through better information accuracy.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill submits an annual report on the Sex Offender Registry Board, detailing efforts to maintain accurate records and verify addresses, which strengthens public safety and oversight within the criminal justice system.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House May 20, 2026

H 5438: Amendment H.5438

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of State Police to create and distribute blue envelopes designed to assist law enforcement officers in communicating with individuals who have autism spectrum disorder. These envelopes will contain guidance on effective communication strategies and will be large enough to hold a driver's license and vehicle registration, with instructions for attaching them to a car's sun visor for easy access. The Massachusetts Registrar of Motor Vehicles will provide these envelopes to anyone with autism spectrum disorder or their parent or guardian upon request. The law is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill improves police communication with individuals with autism, enhancing accountability and reducing potential conflicts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SD 3826: An Act increasing pre-employment requirements for appointment as a Massachusetts police officer

By Mr. Cronin (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Dennis Galvin for legislation to increase pre-employment requirements for appointment as a Massachusetts police officer. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill increases pre-employment requirements for police officers, enhancing accountability and professional standards within law enforcement.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

HD 5758: An Act to promote healing for the families of homicide victims

By Representative González of Springfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Carlos González relative to police departments coordinating with the families of homicide victims with quarterly reports on the open investigations related to their family member. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances police accountability by requiring quarterly reports on homicide investigations to victim families, strengthening transparency in criminal justice processes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Victims' Rights Violent Crime

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passed both · Massachusetts · House Jul 29, 2026

H 5316: An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment

This Massachusetts bill restricts civil immigration enforcement activities in nonpublic areas of state facilities unless required by law or necessary for federally funded programs. It requires the governor to create multilingual guidelines for state agencies, private organizations, law enforcement, and schools on how to handle immigration-related interactions, including verifying officer credentials and warrants. The legislation also mandates that correctional facilities provide detained individuals with written notices about their legal rights in their primary language. These provisions apply to a wide range of entities including police departments, universities, hospitals, and private organizations that employ ten or more people or receive state funding.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes rule of law, oversight, and equal constitutional treatment while requiring multilingual guidelines for immigration interactions, protecting civil rights and enhancing police accountability.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill restricts civil immigration enforcement in state facilities and requires multilingual guidelines for handling immigration interactions, protecting immigrant rights and limiting state cooperation with federal enforcement.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 18, 2026

H 5289: An Act authorizing the appointment of retired police officers as special police officers in the town of Norwood

This bill allows the town of Norwood to hire retired police officers as special police officers to assist with local law enforcement duties. To qualify, the retired officers must have served as regular police officers in Massachusetts and retired in good standing due to age or service. The bill requires these special officers to maintain their certification and complete all mandatory training and continuing education requirements set by state standards. This change gives the town more flexibility in staffing its police force while ensuring all personnel meet established professional standards.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances local law enforcement capacity by allowing retired officers to serve as special police, strengthening community safety and police resources.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 8, 2025

H 2632: An Act relative to lawfully owed DNA

By Representatives Higgins of Leominster and Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2632) of Natalie M. Higgins, Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others that the crime laboratory within the Department of the State Police conduct an audit of offender DNA profiles included on the state DNA databank system. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAudits DNA databank accuracy to prevent wrongful convictions, supporting system integrity and civil rights in criminal justice.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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