Criminal Justice

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2047: An Act eliminating mandatory minimum sentences related to drug offenses

This bill eliminates mandatory minimum prison sentences for specific drug offenses covered under sections 32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, and 32E of Chapter 94C. It removes language requiring minimum prison terms for these offenses and replaces it with maximum fine limits (ranging from $10,000 to $500,000) while eliminating the mandatory minimum prison component. The change directly affects individuals convicted of qualifying drug offenses under these amended sections, giving judges discretion to impose sentences without mandatory prison time. The bill modifies sentencing structures by focusing solely on fine caps rather than prison terms for these specific drug-related convictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEliminates mandatory minimum drug sentences, directly advancing criminal justice reform by reducing mass incarceration and promoting rehabilitation over punitive sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Sentencing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1840: An Act to enhance safety and security in courthouses

HD 1639 strengthens penalties for violence and threats against courthouse personnel and proceedings in Massachusetts. It increases maximum penalties for assaulting courthouse property during sessions (up to 3 years in state prison or $25,000 fine), disrupting court sessions (up to 3 years in prison or $5,000 fine), and threatening judges or court staff (up to 3 years in prison or $5,000 fine). The bill directly affects court staff, including judges, clerks, probation officers, and interpreters, by raising legal consequences for threats or violence related to their official duties. These changes amend existing laws in Chapters 265, 268, and 275 of the Massachusetts General Laws.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances courthouse security, directly supporting court operations within criminal justice system85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1666: An Act relative to capital punishment for the murder of law enforcement officers

HD 3270 creates a new capital murder charge for intentionally killing a law enforcement officer (including police, sheriffs, deputies, or correction officers) while they are performing their duties, or causing their death through serious bodily injury, reckless violence, or intentional acts with a grave risk of death. The punishment for this offense is either the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole, with no possibility of parole. The bill also modifies sentencing procedures, requiring a presentence hearing where a jury weighs specific aggravating circumstances (like the victim being an officer on duty) and mitigating factors to decide between death or life without parole. This law directly affects defendants convicted of murdering a law enforcement officer under these defined circumstances.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill imposes capital punishment for murder of law enforcement officers, increasing mandatory sentences and expanding criminalization, opposing criminal justice reform trends.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2023: An Act restoring judicial discretion in controlled substance cases

This bill (HD 3765) removes mandatory minimum prison sentences for many non-violent drug offenses in Massachusetts. It amends Chapter 94C to replace strict minimum penalties with sentencing ranges, giving judges discretion to consider individual circumstances. Specifically, it revises Sections 32 and 32E to set maximum sentences (e.g., 15 years in state prison) instead of mandatory minimums for offenses like drug trafficking above certain weight thresholds. The law directly affects people convicted of non-violent drug cases, aiming to reduce mass incarceration and address disparities in sentencing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestores judicial discretion in sentencing for controlled substance cases, reducing mandatory minimums and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1498: An Act to limit criminalization of the homeless

H 1498 would prevent Massachusetts cities and towns from imposing criminal penalties - such as fines or jail time - for minor public conduct like sleeping or sitting in public spaces when someone is experiencing homelessness. It directly affects unhoused residents who currently face legal consequences for basic survival activities in public areas. The bill requires municipalities to first ensure adequate shelter availability before enforcing such penalties, shifting focus from punishment to housing solutions. This policy change aims to reduce the criminalization of homelessness while promoting access to shelter.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents criminal penalties for homeless individuals' survival activities, shifting focus from punishment to housing solutions - core criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prevents criminal penalties for homeless individuals' basic survival activities, requiring shelter availability first. Directly addresses homelessness - a core housing issue - shifting focus from punishment to housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 387: An Act relative to safer schools

This bill modifies Massachusetts school safety policies by restricting school resource officers (SROs) to only address serious criminal conduct (like violence or property damage), prohibiting them from handling routine discipline or non-violent disruptions. It requires school districts to annually report detailed data on student interactions with SROs (including arrests and referrals) and budgets for mental health support, with public disclosure of this information. Additionally, the bill creates grants for schools to adopt "holistic school health and safety practices" that avoid law enforcement involvement, such as restorative justice programs and relationship-building initiatives. These changes directly affect all public school districts, charter schools, and regional districts in Massachusetts, aiming to shift safety approaches away from punitive measures.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts SROs to serious crimes only, mandates transparency in school interactions, and reduces non-violent arrests, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationRestricts SROs to serious crimes and mandates mental health budgets/data reporting, enhancing school safety and student well-being in K-12 education.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 2159: An Act establishing an office of restorative justice

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2159) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to establish an office of restorative justice within the executive office for administration and finance. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes restorative justice office, a direct criminal justice reform promoting rehabilitation and harm repair over punitive measures.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 9, 2026

H 3303: An Act establishing an office of restorative justice

HD 665 establishes a state Office of Restorative Justice within the executive office for administration and finance. The office, led by a director with restorative justice expertise, will serve as the central hub for developing, funding, and supporting restorative justice programs across Massachusetts. It will assist courts, local governments, community organizations, and the public in implementing restorative practices like victim-offender conferences and community circles - focusing on healing harm rather than solely punishment. The office must also create a diverse statewide advisory committee and submit annual reports to state officials on its activities and finances. This bill directly affects state agencies, courts, and community groups implementing restorative justice initiatives.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes office to build restorative justice capacity, aligning with reform goals like rehabilitation and reducing recidivism per criminal justice topic description.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 8, 2025

H 4123: An Act relative to the distribution of opioid antagonists at correctional facilities

By Representatives Donaghue of Westborough and Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4123) of Kate Donaghue and Andres X. Vargas relative to the distribution of opioid antagonists at correctional facilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates opioid antagonist distribution in correctional facilities, addressing inmate health and overdose prevention - a direct correctional reform measure to reduce recidivism and improve rehabilitation.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDistributing opioid antagonists (naloxone) in correctional facilities prevents overdose deaths, a public health measure directly protecting patient safety in healthcare settings.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 9, 2025

S 1179: An Act relative to proportionality in joint venture sentencing

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1179) of Liz Miranda for legislation relative to proportionality in joint venture sentencing for accessory to murder. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes sentencing proportionality for accessory to murder, advancing criminal justice reform by ensuring fairer, non-disproportionate penalties.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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