Criminal Justice

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 Jun 18, 2026

HD 5803: A communication from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (see item 8000-0655 of Section 2 of Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025) submitting the Office of Grants and Research Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative annual report for fiscal year 2026

This document is an annual report submitted by the Office of Grants and Research to state lawmakers detailing the results of the Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative for fiscal year 2026. The initiative provides grant funding to community-based nonprofits that offer pre-release and post-release services to individuals aged 18 to 25 who are returning to the community from incarceration. Eligible organizations must deliver evidence-based programs that include education, job readiness, and at least 12 months of case management after release. The report outlines the specific criteria used to evaluate applicants, the amount of funds awarded, and the outcomes achieved by the participating programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill submits an annual report detailing grant funding for a public safety initiative, indicating active financial support for state programs.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds reentry services for young adults to reduce recidivism and improve rehabilitation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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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 Jun 29, 2026

HD 5809: A communication from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (see item 8100-0111 of Section 2 of Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025) submitting the Office of Grants and Research Charles E. Shannon, Jr. Community Safety Initiative annual report for fiscal year 2026

This bill is a procedural communication that submits the annual report for the Charles E. Shannon, Jr. Community Safety Initiative for fiscal year 2026 to the state legislature. The initiative, administered by the Office of Grants and Research, provides one-time funding to local communities to combat gang violence through regional, multi-agency strategies. Eligible applicants must demonstrate high levels of youth violence in their area and commit to a 25 percent financial match from municipal or private sources. The report details how grant funds were distributed to support prevention programs, law enforcement coordination, and reintegration efforts for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill submits a report for an initiative funding community strategies to combat gang violence, indicating support for public safety and crime reduction.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Violent Crime

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

HD 5984: A communication from the Massachusetts Probation Service Office of Community Corrections (see item 0339-1003 of Section 3 of Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025) submitting its annual report for fiscal year 2026, including a statistical report on the utilization of community corrections centers

This bill requires the Massachusetts Probation Service Office of Community Corrections to submit an annual report detailing the use of its Community Justice Support Centers for fiscal year 2026. The report must include statistical data on how these centers, which offer treatment and services as an alternative to incarceration, are utilized across the state. The document outlines various pathways for individuals to access these programs, including pretrial options, probation supervision, and reentry support. This submission is directed to the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means as mandated by the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates reporting on community corrections centers that offer treatment as an alternative to incarceration, promoting rehabilitation and reducing reliance on imprisonment.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate May 7, 2026

S 3085: Amendment S.3085

This bill amends Massachusetts state laws to restrict civil immigration enforcement activities within nonpublic areas of state-owned buildings and facilities, except when required by federal law or specific state programs. It grants the governor the authority to prohibit or limit these enforcement efforts and requires the creation of rules to minimize potential civil rights violations. Additionally, the legislation mandates the publication of multilingual guidelines for state agencies, private organizations, law enforcement officers, and school districts on how to handle interactions related to immigration enforcement, including instructions on verifying officer credentials and documenting such encounters. These guidelines will be made available on the commonwealth's website to inform residents and visitors regardless of their immigration status.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts civil immigration enforcement in state buildings to protect civil rights and minimize violations, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill restricts civil immigration enforcement in state buildings, limiting cooperation with federal authorities and protecting immigrant rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Law Enforcement Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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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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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate May 14, 2026

SD 3907: Bristol County Jail and House of Correction Complete Inspection Package 5-12-26

Report of the Department of Public Health (pursuant to 105 CMR 451.403) submitting the inspection report for Bristol County Jail and House of Correction, the Plan of Correction (POC) from the facility and the POC acceptance letter from the Division of Environmental Health Regulations and Standards (EHRS)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill submits a jail inspection report and plan of correction, indicating oversight to improve facility conditions and safety.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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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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