Criminal Justice

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2054: An Act to end mandatory life without the possibility of parole for the age of 21-25 and 364 days

This bill (HD 1290) changes sentencing for young adults aged 21-25 years and 364 days convicted of first-degree murder. It eliminates mandatory life without parole for this age group, making them eligible for parole review retroactively (affecting current inmates) and prospectively. Instead of life without parole, the bill sets minimum sentences of 20-30 years with parole eligibility for different murder charges. The law requires courts to restructure existing sentences without full resentencing hearings, redirecting incarceration costs toward rehabilitation programs.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill ends mandatory life without parole for young adults (21-25), reducing harsh sentencing and promoting rehabilitation, a core criminal justice reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 10, 2026

S 1247: An Act criminalizing sexual assault of a passenger by a rideshare operator

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1247) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to criminalize sexual assault of a passenger by a rideshare operator. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCriminalizes sexual assault by rideshare operators, protecting passenger safety and reinforcing legal accountability within criminal justice framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 1062: An Act to stop profiling transgender people and low-income women

S 1062, introduced by Senator Julian Cyr, aims to prohibit discriminatory profiling of transgender individuals and low-income women by law enforcement or public agencies. The bill's title indicates it targets practices that unfairly target these groups based on gender identity or socioeconomic status. However, the provided context does not include specific mechanisms, such as new enforcement procedures or penalties. For detailed policy changes, the full bill text would be required.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits discriminatory law enforcement profiling based on gender identity/socioeconomic status, protecting civil rights and enhancing police accountability in criminal justice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 2, 2026

S 1126: An Act relative to combating hate in the Commonwealth

The bill S 1126, titled "An Act relative to combating hate in the Commonwealth," is a petition by Senator Adam Gomez and Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell seeking legislation to address hate crimes. The official abstract does not provide specific policy details or mechanisms, only stating the bill's general purpose. Without further information on provisions, such as penalties, reporting requirements, or affected groups, a substantive summary of its concrete changes cannot be provided. The Judiciary Committee is listed as the relevant committee, but the abstract lacks specifics on who would be directly affected or how the bill would operate.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill targets hate crimes, aligning with criminal justice reform by addressing bias-motivated offenses and protecting civil rights through legislative action.85% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1984: An Act relative to harm reduction and racial justice

HD 1984 amends Massachusetts law regarding controlled substances possession. It replaces criminal penalties for possessing a controlled substance without authorization with a requirement for a needs screening. This screening, conducted by trained professionals using trauma-informed practices, identifies health, housing, employment, or legal service needs. Completing the screening within 45 days dismisses the citation, and it does not count as an admission of guilt. The bill directly affects individuals charged with this offense, shifting focus from punishment to connecting them with supportive services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReplaces criminal penalties for drug possession with health screenings, promoting harm reduction and racial justice reform while dismissing citations without admission of guilt.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Jan 29, 2025

HD 4309: An Act to dissolve and reform Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct

HD 4309 proposes dissolving Massachusetts' current Commission on Judicial Conduct (CJC) and creating a new, publicly appointed commission to handle judicial misconduct complaints. The new commission would consist of members selected from the public (not judges, lawyers, or government officials) serving one-year terms with no reappointments, and must publicly disclose member information. It aims to replace the current system, which the bill states fails to investigate public complaints about judges and allows judges to review other judges, by establishing independent oversight. The reform directly affects how judicial misconduct complaints are processed, requiring open hearings and transparency in addressing allegations against state court judges.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReforms judicial conduct oversight by replacing a failing system with a transparent, public commission, promoting accountability in courts (key criminal justice component).90% confidence

Sub-Topics Judges

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 22, 2026

S 1680: An Act establishing a peace officer oath

By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1680) of Lydia Edwards for legislation to establish an ethic oath for peace officers. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishing an ethic oath for peace officers promotes accountability, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators like enhanced police oversight.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1639: An Act protecting inmate safety and the expenditure of state funds

By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1639) of Michael J. Barrett for legislation to protect inmate safety and the expenditure of state funds. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly protects inmate safety, a core correctional aspect of criminal justice, aligning with reform goals to improve facility conditions and safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 15, 2026

S 1643: An Act relative to access to community corrections

By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1643) of William N. Brownsberger for legislation relative to access to community corrections. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill focuses on improving access to community corrections programs, a core criminal justice reform strategy aimed at reducing incarceration and promoting rehabilitation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 26, 2025

S 108: An Act protecting youth during custodial interrogations

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 108) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation protecting youth during custodial interrogations. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly protects youth during custodial interrogations, aligning with criminal justice reform by safeguarding civil rights and enhancing police accountability for vulnerable populations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

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