Criminal Justice (Human Trafficking)

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 211: An Act updating the wiretap statutes in the commonwealth

This bill (SD 211) updates Massachusetts wiretap laws to clarify when law enforcement may use electronic surveillance. It requires judicial oversight for intercepting communications related to specific serious crimes, including both organized crime offenses (like firearms trafficking and extortion) and non-organized violent crimes (such as murder, rape, and human trafficking). The bill defines "wire communication" broadly to cover modern devices like smartphones while exempting body cameras worn by officers and vehicle cameras during traffic stops. It also prohibits private citizens from secretly using surveillance devices and specifies that law enforcement must limit surveillance to designated offenses under court supervision.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires judicial oversight for wiretaps on serious crimes, enhancing law enforcement accountability and protecting civil rights under wiretap statutes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 506: An Act to prevent human trafficking through increased public awareness

This bill requires public awareness signage with the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline (1-888-373-7888) in transportation hubs (like MBTA stations, rest areas, and airports), welcome centers, and hospitals. It mandates anti-trafficking training for transit employees (bus drivers, operators, and staff) and transportation network company drivers (e.g., Uber/Lyft), covering definitions of trafficking, signs to recognize, and reporting protocols. The training must be integrated into existing employee programs and updated biannually. It also disqualifies convicted traffickers from commercial driver’s licenses and prevents sealing of trafficking conviction records. The bill directly affects Massachusetts transportation systems, hospitals, and ride-share services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates anti-trafficking training for transit staff to recognize and report trafficking, advancing victim protection and law enforcement coordination within criminal justice framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 75: An Act to recover assets used in the commission of sexual offenses

This bill (SD 75) requires the forfeiture of assets used to facilitate sexual offenses or related crimes, directly affecting convicted offenders and benefiting victims. It makes individuals convicted under specific Massachusetts sexual offense laws (chapters 265 sections 22-24C, 50, or 51) ineligible for remaining lottery prize money, with unclaimed portions returned to the state lottery fund. It also mandates forfeiture of all money used to pay for forced labor, sexual servitude, or to facilitate those crimes, with court-ordered restitution paid to victims from these seized funds. The law updates forfeiture procedures to specifically include lottery prizes and other state funds used in such offenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates asset forfeiture for sexual offense offenders, strengthening enforcement and benefiting victims within criminal justice framework.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Victims' Rights

Track

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 · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1040: An Act relative to the statute of limitations in rape, assault and human trafficking crimes

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1040) of Nick Collins for legislation relative to the statute of limitations in rape, assault and human trafficking crimes. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill extends statute of limitations for rape, assault, and human trafficking, enabling prosecution of serious crimes after longer periods, strengthening victim access to justice and criminal justice reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Violent Crime

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1626: An Act preventing rampant online technological exploitation and criminal trafficking

By Representative Cruz of Salem, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1626) of Manny Cruz relative to preventing rampant online technological exploitation and criminal trafficking and establishing a special commission (including members of the General Court) to examine sentencing for criminal online technological exploitation. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes commission to examine sentencing for online exploitation, directly addressing criminal justice sentencing reform within Judiciary framework.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill prevents online exploitation and criminal trafficking, aligning with cybersecurity and data protection goals through judicial examination of sentencing.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Sentencing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1588: An Act to strengthen justice and support for sex trade survivors

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1116) of Cindy F. Friedman for legislation to strengthen justice and support for sex trade survivors. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly strengthens justice for sex trade survivors, aligning with criminal justice reform by supporting victims and improving system responsiveness.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 18, 2026

S 1197: An Act to strengthen laws combatting human trafficking and protecting survivors of modern-day slavery

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1197) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to strengthen laws combatting human trafficking and protecting survivors of modern-day slavery. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens anti-human trafficking laws and protects survivors, aligning with criminal justice reform through victim support and legal protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 803: An Act relative to justice for survivors

SD 803, the Massachusetts Survivors Act, allows adults and children charged with crimes to request alternative resolutions if their alleged offenses were linked to past abuse, sexual assault, PTSD, or human trafficking. Defendants can file motions supported by evidence like court records, medical documentation, or expert testimony about trauma, requiring only a "prima facie showing" (sufficient evidence to suggest eligibility) rather than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. If eligible, courts may grant pretrial diversion (suspending charges for 3-24 months with conditions like counseling or community service), reduced sentences, or postconviction relief. The law mandates annual reporting by the Attorney General on motion statistics, including demographics, and prohibits using evidence presented under this act against defendants in future prosecutions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides trauma-informed sentencing alternatives for survivors of abuse/trauma, reducing punitive measures and advancing criminal justice reform through rehabilitation-focused resolutions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Violent Crime

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1683: An Act to strengthen justice and support for sex trade survivors

H 1683 (An Act to strengthen justice and support for sex trade survivors) creates new services and legal support for individuals who have experienced the sex trade. The bill directly affects survivors by establishing trauma-informed assistance programs and expanding access to legal aid for those navigating criminal justice involvement related to their survival. Key provisions include mandatory training for law enforcement on survivor-centered approaches and funding for community-based organizations providing housing, counseling, and advocacy. The legislation aims to improve safety and outcomes for survivors through concrete, service-focused policy changes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates trauma-informed support, legal aid, and law enforcement training for sex trade survivors, advancing survivor-centered justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

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