Criminal Justice in Massachusetts

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1990: An Act relative to civil asset forfeiture transparency and data reporting

HD 3218 requires Massachusetts law enforcement agencies (attorney general, district attorneys, police departments) to submit annual public reports detailing all civil asset forfeitures. The bill mandates a searchable public website with specific details for each seizure, including property description, location, value, seizure date, crime involved, and final outcome (e.g., property returned or sold). It directly affects law enforcement agencies conducting forfeitures and property owners whose assets are seized. Key mechanisms include standardized reporting deadlines (January 31 annually), itemized accounting per seizure, and requirements for agencies with no forfeitures to file a "null report." The bill aims to increase transparency around civil asset forfeiture practices without changing the underlying legal process.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1872: An Act to improve transparency in alleged police misconduct

This bill amends procedures for inquests (investigative hearings) into deaths or serious injuries involving law enforcement officers. It requires the attorney general or district attorney to hold an inquest when there's reasonable suspicion an officer violated laws while acting in their duties, causing serious bodily injury (defined under Chapter 265). The bill mandates timely notice to families and specific agencies, allows targets of investigations to attend with counsel, and ensures families and complainants can observe the process. It focuses on procedural transparency during investigations, not on changing police conduct standards or accountability outcomes.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Policing

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1063: An Act to enhance the rights of crime victims in the Commonwealth

This bill (SD 417) enhances rights for victims of violent crimes like homicide and sexual assault in Massachusetts. It expands who qualifies as a "family member" to include grandparents and partners in relationships similar to marriage, and adds new definitions for "limited English proficient" victims and "vital documents." Key provisions require courts to notify victims of sentencing and probation hearings, guarantee their right to submit written or oral impact statements at sentencing (even in cases with plea deals), and ensure access to free language services. The bill also creates a commission to evaluate victim notification systems related to bail and court proceedings. These changes directly affect crime victims and their families by improving access to court processes and support services.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 23, 2026

H 2636: An Act creating an independent correctional oversight office to facilitate the recommendations of the special legislative commission on structural racism in correctional facilities of the Commonwealth

This bill creates an independent oversight office within Massachusetts' Office of Inspector General to address structural racism in correctional facilities, as recommended by a state legislative commission. The office, led by an appointed "anti-racism corrections inspector general," will collect and analyze data on racial disparities - including by race, ethnicity, language, gender identity, and sexual orientation - to monitor the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) incarcerated individuals and correctional staff. The inspector general must have expertise in structural racism and restorative justice, cannot have prior ties to the Department of Corrections, and will report findings to the legislature and public. This office will track progress in dismantling racial inequities in healthcare, programming, staffing, and facility operations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 616: An Act authorizing application of good conduct sentence deductions for completion credits earned during pre-trial detention

HD 616 allows people held in pre-trial detention to earn good conduct credits that reduce their eventual sentence. The bill amends sentencing law to state that credits earned during pre-trial detention accumulate but only apply after a person is sentenced. These accumulated credits expire upon final release from custody related to the original charges and cannot be used for future sentences. This directly affects individuals awaiting trial who earn such credits while in detention. The change clarifies that pre-trial credit accumulation is permitted but does not alter when credits become applicable.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Sentencing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 769: An Act relative to harm reduction and racial justice

This bill amends Massachusetts law regarding controlled substance possession by replacing criminal penalties with a needs-based screening process for first-time offenders. It requires individuals cited for possessing controlled substances (without valid prescription) to complete a trauma-informed needs assessment within 45 days, identifying health, housing, employment, or legal service needs. Completion of the screening dismisses the citation without creating legal admissions or findings. The screening must be conducted by trained professionals using culturally and gender-competent practices, prioritizing the individual's self-identified needs. The law directly affects people charged with non-prescription possession of controlled substances, shifting focus from punishment to connecting them with support services.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 21, 2025

SD 2493: An Act to provide justice and relief for those who have been exonerated from wrongful convictions

A petition (accompanied by bill) of Osagie N. Okoruwa, for legislation to provide justice and relief for those who have been exonerated from wrongful convictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 22, 2026

S 1706: An Act establishing a commission to review substance use in correctional facilities

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1706) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to establishing a commission to review substance use in correctional facilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 2694: An Act to promote equitable access to parole

This bill (HD 543) reforms Massachusetts parole procedures to improve fairness and access. It requires the parole board to include at least four members with mental health/substance use experience (including one licensed professional) and one formerly incarcerated person with relevant expertise. The bill expands parole eligibility for life sentence holders (excluding certain murder cases), mandates public hearings 90 days before eligibility, and requires the board to reconsider cases every three years if parole is denied. It also adds transparency by requiring hearing recordings to be public for life sentences, ensuring prisoners access to information provided to the board, and directing the board to prioritize risk assessments, program participation, and community reentry plans when making decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 1766: An Act to support police recruitment and retention

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1766) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to support police recruitment and retention. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Policing

All criminal justice bills