Criminal Justice

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 2, 2025

SD 3239: Essex County District Attorney -- 2025 Forfeiture Report

Report of the Essex County District Attorney (pursuant to Section 47(d) of Chapter 94C of the General Laws) submitting its 2025 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 mandates reporting on forfeiture funds used for drug rehabilitation and education programs, directly advancing criminal justice reform through prevention-focused funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 2772: An Act relative to probation officers

By Representative Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2772) of Tackey Chan and David Holway relative to injuries sustained in service of probation officers. Public Service.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill addresses injuries to probation officers, a core corrections role, strengthening workforce support within criminal justice system operations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 28, 2026

H 1337: An Act relative to opioid use disorder treatment and rehabilitation coverage

By Representatives Vargas of Haverhill and Donaghue of Westborough, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1337) of Andres X. Vargas and Kate Donaghue relative to opioid use disorder treatment and rehabilitation. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds opioid treatment/rehabilitation, directly supporting criminal justice reform by addressing addiction (a root cause of recidivism) and improving rehabilitation programs.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates coverage for opioid use disorder treatment/rehabilitation, expanding access to healthcare services for substance use disorders.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 23, 2026

H 2617: An Act further defining a hate crime

By Representative Garry of Dracut, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2617) of Colleen M. Garry for legislation to further define hate crimes. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDefining hate crimes more precisely strengthens legal clarity for prosecution, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of protecting civil rights and equitable enforcement.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 2, 2025

SD 3250: Hampden District Attorney -- 2025 Forfeiture Report

Report of the Hampden District Attorney (pursuant to Section 47(d) of Chapter 94C of the General Laws) submitting its 2025 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 mandates reporting on use of law enforcement trust funds for drug rehabilitation and anti-drug programs, aligning with rehabilitation-focused criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Aug 28, 2025

H 4417: An Act updating the juvenile justice policy and data board

This bill (H 4417) modifies the membership structure of Massachusetts' Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board. It increases the board size from 21 to 23 members and adds a specific role for the executive director of the Commission on LGBTQ+ Youth (or a designee). The bill also revises membership requirements to include three individuals with direct juvenile justice experience: two parents whose children were in juvenile court and one adult who was subject to juvenile court as a child, all selected from specified advocacy organizations. These changes directly affect who serves on the board, aiming to incorporate broader lived experience and specialized perspectives into juvenile justice policy decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds diverse voices (parents, formerly incarcerated) to juvenile justice board, enhancing policy input for reform85% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 10, 2025

H 2314: An Act establishing the Dukes County Sheriff’s regional lockup fund

By Representative Moakley of Falmouth and Senator Cyr, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2314) of Thomas W. Moakley and Julian Cyr for legislation to establish the Dukes County Sheriff’s regional lockup fund. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes funding for regional lockup (corrections infrastructure), directly supporting criminal justice system operations without reform or restriction indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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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 JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for hit-and-run with recreational vehicles (jail time for non-fatal, longer for fatal), aligns with increasing mandatory sentences.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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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 JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates police training for autism interactions, enhancing accountability and protecting civil rights in law enforcement encounters.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 31, 2025

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

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2368) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, David Paul Linsky, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to end debt-based driving restrictions and remove economic roadblocks. Transportation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnds debt-based driving restrictions, reducing economic barriers in criminal justice system, aligning with reform goals to improve opportunity and reduce recidivism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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