Criminal Justice

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1828: An Act relative to due process

HD 362 amends Chapter 6E of the General Laws to require a de novo review (a fresh, full review from the start) for appeals related to Commission decisions that suspend licenses for over two weeks or result in decertification. This change directly affects individuals or entities facing such penalties, as their appeals will now undergo a new evaluation instead of relying solely on the original decision. The key provision modifies the CH.30A appeal process to ensure these specific cases are reconsidered independently. The bill focuses on procedural due process for license-related disciplinary actions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill focuses on due process within Judiciary, protecting defendant rights and ensuring fair legal procedures in criminal justice.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1841: An Act relative to the intimidation of witnesses and interfering with justice

HD 1648 (An Act relative to the intimidation of witnesses and interfering with justice) makes it a crime to threaten, harass, or interfere with individuals involved in legal proceedings. It directly affects witnesses, jurors, judges, police, attorneys, and others who participate in criminal investigations, trials, or civil cases like housing or family court. The law criminalizes actions such as sending threatening messages (including via email or text), causing physical or emotional harm, or intimidating people to prevent them from testifying or cooperating with investigations. Violators face up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $5,000, or both.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill targets witness intimidation and interference with justice, directly strengthening criminal justice system integrity and protecting participants in legal proceedings.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1220: An Act to protect victims of crimes and the public

This bill (SD 867) updates Massachusetts criminal justice procedures to enhance victim safety and accountability. Key changes include requiring photo/fingerprinting for all defendants at arraignment (Section 2), imposing mandatory minimum sentences with no early release for certain offenses like "crime of abuse" (Sections 3-4), and creating new penalties for tampering with monitoring devices used in pretrial release or probation (Section 5). It also clarifies definitions for "crime of abuse" (Section 7), which includes domestic violence offenses, and expands court authority to set safety conditions for victims (Section 6). These provisions directly affect defendants, courts, and victims in criminal cases involving abuse or monitoring devices.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly protects crime victims, aligning with criminal justice reform priorities like victim rights and public safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2050: An Act removing barriers to the expungement of records

HD 3224 modifies Massachusetts' expungement rules to make it easier for eligible individuals to clear certain criminal records. It sets specific eligibility requirements: all offenses must have occurred before the person turned 21, with waiting periods of at least 3 years for misdemeanors or 7 years for felonies before filing a petition. The bill blocks expungement for serious offenses (including domestic violence violations treated as felonies) and prohibits it if the person has other convictions (except minor traffic violations under $50 fines). This affects individuals seeking to remove past criminal records from their files under Massachusetts law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill removes barriers to expungement, directly advancing criminal justice reform by reducing recidivism and improving rehabilitation access for individuals with sealed records.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 30, 2025

S 524: An Act relative to voting rights restoration

S 524, introduced by Senator Liz Miranda, would automatically restore voting rights to individuals with past felony convictions upon completion of their sentences. It directly affects people in Massachusetts who have served their prison terms or probation for felony offenses. The bill's key provision eliminates the need for a separate application or court order, ensuring voting rights are restored automatically without further action. This changes current law, which requires individuals to seek restoration through a separate process.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAutomatically restores voting rights for felons post-sentence, promoting reintegration and civil rights - key criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 30, 2025

H 3422: An Act establishing a jail and prison construction moratorium

HD 523 imposes a 5-year moratorium on new prison construction and facility expansions in Massachusetts. It prohibits state and public agencies from building new correctional facilities, increasing existing facility capacity, converting dormant facilities for detention, or renovating facilities in ways that would raise bed capacity (though routine maintenance for safety and compliance is allowed). County sheriffs may transfer up to 30 beds between county facilities if one closes, but cannot expand overall capacity. The law delays implementation for 5 years after its effective date.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill halts new jail/prison construction, reducing system expansion and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to decrease incarceration rates.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Dec 1, 2025

H 4673: An Act protecting first responders and enhancing access to behavioral health centers

This bill (H 4673) shields licensed law enforcement officers, EMTs, ambulance services, and other emergency medical personnel from legal claims or penalties when they transport individuals to community behavioral health centers in good faith. It directly affects first responders and behavioral health centers by removing liability concerns during these transports. The key provision creates legal immunity for "good faith" actions or inactions related to such transports, as defined in existing law. This change aims to encourage timely access to mental health care without fear of lawsuits for responders acting appropriately.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves liability for first responders transporting individuals to behavioral health centers, reducing unnecessary criminal justice involvement and aligning with reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes legal liability for first responders transporting to behavioral health centers, directly enhancing access to mental health services per its title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Mental Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 13, 2026

S 1681: An Act to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1681) of James B. Eldridge, Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Robyn K. Kennedy and other members of the Senate for legislation to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly protects civil rights, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators like police accountability and rights protection in public safety context.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill protects civil rights and safety for all Massachusetts residents, implicitly supporting immigrant rights protections by ensuring equal safety and rights for all residents including immigrants.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 19, 2026

H 1597: An Act limiting the use of prison labor

This bill prohibits Massachusetts correctional facilities from transferring inmates outside the state for the purpose of engaging in labor. It directly affects all state prisons, county jails, and correctional facilities within Massachusetts, preventing administrators from moving inmates out of state for work. The key provision explicitly bans such transfers by stating no inmate may be moved outside Massachusetts to perform labor. This is a direct policy change limiting the use of prison labor beyond state borders.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeLimits prison labor use, aligning with criminal justice reform to protect inmate rights and reduce exploitation in corrections systems.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1651: An Act relative to human rights and improved outcomes for incarcerated people

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1651) of Cynthia Stone Creem and Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation relative to rehabilitation, re-entry, and human rights for incarcerated persons. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly focuses on rehabilitation, re-entry, and human rights for incarcerated persons, directly advancing criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

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