Criminal Justice

passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 20, 2025

H 1625: An Act relative to the assault on and aggravated harassment of sports officials

This bill (HD 1952) creates new criminal penalties for assaulting or harassing sports officials at organized athletic events. It directly affects referees, umpires, and other officials registered with sports organizations during any sporting event, including pre/post activities and parking areas. The law imposes up to 5 years in prison or a $5,000 fine for assaulting an official, and similar penalties for a "pattern of conduct" causing severe emotional distress. These changes specifically target threats or violence directed at officials enforcing sports rules at all levels of organized play.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill targets assault/harassment of sports officials under Judiciary, strengthening legal accountability for violent acts against protected individuals in criminal justice context.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1773: An Act prohibiting motor vehicle tracking devices without consent

HD 1301 prohibits installing or using location-tracking devices in motor vehicles without the consent of the driver and all passengers. Exceptions include law enforcement using devices during investigations under legal protocols, parents monitoring minor children in vehicles they own, businesses tracking their own company vehicles, and recovering stolen vehicles with police notice. The law defines "electronic mobile tracking devices" as tools that reveal location via phone or computer. It explicitly excludes manufacturer-installed systems, rental company tracking with permission, and insurance company monitoring with consent. Violations are punishable under existing criminal harassment laws.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits unauthorized law enforcement vehicle tracking, protecting civil rights and enhancing police accountability per Criminal Justice reform indicators.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits vehicle tracking without consent, directly protecting location data privacy under technology topic's data privacy focus.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1083: An Act relative to rape by an officer

This bill amends Massachusetts law to clarify the definition of "control" in rape cases involving law enforcement officers. It specifies that "control" includes officers supervising minors in training, interacting with people during investigations, communicating arrest powers (even if not lawful), or using coercion while acting under law enforcement authority. The change directly affects cases where officers allegedly commit rape by exploiting their position of authority. This definition update makes it easier to prosecute officers for rape by explicitly covering their official interactions and threats of enforcement actions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeClarifies legal definition to hold officers accountable for rape of minors in training, enhancing police accountability in criminal justice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2029: An Act to eliminate standard conditions in probation

This bill changes probation rules in Massachusetts by requiring judges to justify any condition of probation individually, rather than imposing standard terms. It sets maximum probation lengths: three years for felonies and one year for misdemeanors, with exceptions for sex offenses (if longer probation reduces future risk) and restitution collection (only administrative extensions). Judges may extend probation by up to 90 days for substance treatment completion, but only after a hearing and finding it's necessary. The bill affects all offenders on probation and aims to limit probation duration based on current research and public safety needs.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEliminating standard probation conditions enables individualized sentencing, reducing unnecessary restrictions and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 1242: An Act relative to pre-adjudication credit for juvenile offenders

This bill (SD 1483) allows juvenile offenders in Massachusetts to receive credit toward their sentence for time spent in secure detention or on electronic monitoring before trial. It requires the Department of Youth Services (DYS) to prepare pre-adjudication reports for courts, detailing a youth's pre-trial detention time, participation in DYS programs, and positive behavior - excluding negative details. The bill also mandates that DYS include in internal evaluations the youth's pre-trial detention time, program participation, and conduct, and informs juveniles that this pre-trial behavior will be considered during sentencing. These changes directly affect juvenile offenders in the state's justice system and aim to incorporate pre-trial conduct into sentencing decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides pre-adjudication credit for juvenile offenders, promoting rehabilitation-focused sentencing reform to reduce recidivism.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 1198: An Act to enhance the lives of survivors of human trafficking

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1198) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to enhance the lives of survivors of human trafficking. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances services for human trafficking survivors, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of victim protection and civil rights within the Judiciary committee's purview.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 4065: An Act relative to supporting survivors of domestic violence and enhancing child welfare

This bill (HD 4142) is currently in draft stage with no substantive provisions detailed in the provided text. The title indicates it aims to support domestic violence survivors and improve child welfare systems, but the specific mechanisms or affected groups are not described in the available draft. As a work-in-progress document, no concrete policy changes or key provisions are outlined for summary. The draft status means no final details about implementation, funding, or direct beneficiaries are available. For an accurate summary, the finalized bill text would be required.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill supports domestic violence survivors, enhancing victim services within criminal justice system, aligning with victim protection indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1623: An Act banning the use of tear gas by law enforcement

HD 1293 bans law enforcement officers and agencies from purchasing, using, or allowing the use of tear gas or CS gas during operations. This law directly affects all police departments and officers in the state, prohibiting the use of these chemical agents on individuals. The key provision makes it a crime to violate the ban, punishable by a $5,000 criminal fine. The bill aims to restrict the use of specific chemical irritants that cause rapid sensory or physical effects during police encounters.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBans tear gas use by police, aligning with civil rights protection and enhanced law enforcement accountability in criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 22, 2026

S 1720: An Act to build restorative family and community connection

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1720) of Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Mike Connolly, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to regulating visits in state prisons and correctional facilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRegulates prison visits to strengthen family/community connections, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 1397: An Act establishing alternative models for behavioral health transport

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1397) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to establish five regional pilot programs to examine alternative models for transport of behavioral health patients. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates behavioral health transport pilots to divert individuals from criminal justice system, reducing incarceration for mental health crises per reform indicators.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes regional pilot programs to improve behavioral health transport access, directly supporting mental health services under the topic's scope.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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