Criminal Justice

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1285: An Act ensuring an appropriate response to shoplifting

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1285) of John C. Velis for legislation relative penalties for shoplifting and judicial discretion when a person is dealing with a substance use disorder. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill allows judicial discretion for substance use disorder in shoplifting cases, promoting diversion over punishment, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1587: An Act relative to justice for survivors

This bill creates the "Massachusetts Survivors Act," allowing adults and children charged with crimes who are survivors of abuse, sexual assault, or human trafficking to seek relief in their criminal cases. Defendants can file a motion at any time after being charged, requesting pretrial diversion (suspended proceedings), reduced sentences, or postconviction relief, supported by evidence like court records, medical documentation, or expert testimony. The court must issue written findings on eligibility and sentence, and the Attorney General must annually report on all motions filed, granted, and demographic details. The law ensures no prior legal finding of abuse is required and protects defendants' constitutional rights during the process.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill title 'An Act relative to justice for survivors' directly addresses victim-centered criminal justice reform, aligning with indicators like protecting civil rights and promoting system accountability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Oct 20, 2025

HD 5246: A communication from the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office (see Section 47(d) of Chapter 94C of the General Laws) submitting a report on its fiscal year 2025 law enforcement trust funds for drug rehabilitation, drug education and neighborhood crime watch programs

This bill requires the Northwestern District Attorney's Office to submit a report detailing how $15,974.45 in fiscal year 2025 law enforcement trust funds were allocated across community programs. The report specifies spending on anti-drug initiatives ($4,000), neighborhood crime watch campaigns ($3,474.45), drug education ($1,000), and sponsorships like the NoFIRES Conference ($7,500). It also includes data on $85,359 in forfeited funds, representing 18.71% of total forfeited amounts. The report is mandated under Chapter 94C, Section 47(d) of the General Laws, ensuring transparency in how these funds support local crime prevention and rehabilitation efforts.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates reporting on funds allocated to drug education, rehabilitation, and community programs - directly aligns with criminal justice reform indicators like reducing recidivism through prevention.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2036: An Act prohibiting electronic tracking of motor vehicles

This bill prohibits installing or using electronic tracking devices in motor vehicles without the consent of all occupants, with penalties including up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine. It specifically allows exceptions for law enforcement during investigations, parents monitoring minor children in their vehicle, tracking stolen property, dealers using devices with written buyer consent for credit/lease agreements, and businesses tracking their own company vehicles. The law does not apply to vehicle manufacturers, telematics providers, rental companies, or insurance companies using tracking with owner permission for insurance rating. It directly affects vehicle owners, occupants, and entities like dealers or businesses that might deploy tracking systems.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits law enforcement electronic vehicle tracking, protecting civil liberties and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits electronic vehicle tracking, directly protecting location privacy under data privacy regulations90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1693: An Act to remove collateral consequences and protect the presumption of innocence

This bill automatically seals criminal records for offenses that did not result in a conviction or "guilty file" disposition, directly affecting individuals with unconvicted cases. It eliminates the need for people to file petitions to seal such records, requiring courts and probation agencies to seal them immediately after final disposition (including completion of supervision). The bill also mandates that agencies provide a written notice stating "a presumption of innocence applies" for unconvicted offenses when sharing records. Additionally, it ensures individuals can access their sealed records without court orders and clarifies that convictions only include formal "findings of guilt," excluding continuances without finding. These changes aim to reduce barriers for people with unconvicted cases in employment, housing, and other areas.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves collateral consequences and protects presumption of innocence, advancing criminal justice reform by reducing reentry barriers and safeguarding defendant rights.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 4064: An Act to safeguard judicial integrity through enhanced witness protection

This bill defines witness intimidation as using threats, force, bribes, or coercion to influence testimony, reporting, or participation in official government proceedings like court hearings or law enforcement investigations. It makes such intimidation a crime with penalties of up to 10 years in prison for physical force or up to 2½ years and a $5,000 fine for threats, bribes, or extortion. The law explicitly protects constitutionally protected speech, such as criticism of officials or public policy, and requires law enforcement to receive training to apply the law correctly without infringing on free expression. It directly affects individuals who attempt to intimidate witnesses, witnesses themselves, and law enforcement officers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances witness protection to safeguard judicial integrity, directly supporting fair criminal trials and court operations within criminal justice system.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 13, 2026

S 1958: An Act establishing the micro business employee training and workforce development program

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1958) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to establish a tax incentive program for micro businesses to hire formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals receiving transitional benefits. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes tax incentive program for micro businesses, providing tax relief as fiscal policy tool to fund workforce development.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill incentivizes hiring formerly incarcerated individuals, directly reducing recidivism through workforce integration and rehabilitation support.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentTax incentives for hiring formerly incarcerated and transitional benefits recipients directly expands employment opportunities, aligning with labor & employment support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Workforce Development

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Oct 23, 2025

H 4640: An Act to implement the recommendations of the special commission on facial recognition technology

This bill restricts most law enforcement use of facial recognition technology in Massachusetts. It prohibits police agencies from acquiring or using facial recognition without specific legal authorization, except for limited exceptions like verifying identities for driver's licenses or investigating felonies with a warrant. The law requires strict documentation for emergency uses, mandates transparency by requiring law enforcement to share all technical details about facial recognition searches with defendants in criminal cases, and establishes public reporting requirements for all searches conducted. These provisions directly affect law enforcement agencies, public officials, and individuals involved in criminal cases where facial recognition was used.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts police facial recognition use, requiring warrants and transparency to protect civil rights and enhance law enforcement accountability in criminal justice.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts law enforcement use of facial recognition technology, limiting its application and weakening privacy protections per bill's prohibitions and documentation requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Emerging Technology

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1977: An Act relative to Proportionality in Joint Venture Sentencing

This bill creates a new "accomplice murder" category (M.G.L. Ch. 274 § 2A) for people convicted of murder under a "joint venture" theory who aided in a killing but weren't the principal perpetrator. It directly affects incarcerated individuals convicted of first or second-degree murder under this theory, allowing them to petition courts for resentencing. Key mechanisms include requiring prosecutors to notify eligible individuals within 90 days, establishing a petition process with court hearings, and shifting the burden of proof to prosecutors to show ineligibility. The bill also mandates annual reporting to the judiciary on petition outcomes, including demographic data and sentencing results.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill seeks equitable sentencing for joint venture murder, promoting proportionality in criminal justice reform per summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 2580: An Act to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents

HD 3816, the "Safe Communities Act," prohibits Massachusetts law enforcement from asking about immigration status during routine interactions (except when legally required) and restricts cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. It requires written consent with clear explanations in multiple languages before DHS interviews of people in custody, and bans automatic notifications to DHS about individuals' release from custody (except for end-of-sentence releases). The law also prohibits police from acting as immigration officers under federal agreements and mandates training for law enforcement on these provisions. These changes directly affect all Massachusetts residents, especially immigrant communities, and apply to state/local police, sheriffs, and correctional facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill limits state/local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect civil rights, directly aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationRestricts state law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement, protecting immigrant rights and safety per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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