Criminal Justice

in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 5125: An Act limiting the use of prison labor

This bill prohibits Massachusetts prison officials from transferring inmates to other states for labor purposes, directly affecting correctional facilities and inmates. It allows exceptions only if the governor declares an emergency in another state and the inmate provides written consent. Transfers for non-labor reasons, such as medical care or court appearances, remain permitted under existing rules. The law aims to prevent out-of-state labor exploitation while maintaining flexibility for emergencies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits out-of-state prison labor exploitation, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to protect inmate rights and prevent labor exploitation in corrections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Feb 19, 2026

HD 5662: The annual report of the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association (under item 0340-2100 of Section 2 of Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025) submitting its data from the District Attorneys relative to their criminal prosecutions and workloads for calendar year 2025

HD 5662 requires the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association to submit an annual report detailing criminal prosecution data for calendar year 2025. The report must include specific categories: juvenile cases, adult cases, appeals, and cases reviewed. This procedural bill directly affects the District Attorneys Association, mandating they compile and submit this workload data. It does not change laws or policies, but establishes a reporting requirement for transparency. The bill was placed on file in February 2026 and has no further action noted.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates transparency in prosecution data, a key component of criminal justice reform for accountability and data-driven policy decisions.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 2857: An Act to ensure access to medical parole

Senate, January 22, 2026 -- The committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1707) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to remove barriers to medical parole; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1722) of Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Adam Gomez and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to grant elder and medical parole, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2857).

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill removes barriers to medical parole, a criminal justice reform aimed at reducing unnecessary incarceration for terminally ill/elderly inmates.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes barriers to medical parole, ensuring incarcerated individuals access necessary healthcare services, directly improving patient access to medical care.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Feb 19, 2026

HD 5692: An Act relative to strengthening penalties for non-consensual image sharing and providing supportive victim services

By Representative Frost of Auburn (by request), a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Aspen Boss relative to penalties for non-consensual image sharing and providing supportive victim services. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthens penalties for non-consensual image sharing and provides victim services, protecting civil rights and enhancing victim support within criminal justice framework.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 5, 2026

H 5157: An Act relative to safer schools

This bill limits school resource officers' (SROs) roles in schools by prohibiting them from handling routine discipline or replacing counselors. It requires SROs to only intervene in serious criminal incidents (like physical harm, malicious property damage, or theft of significant value) and mandates de-escalation training. Schools must annually report costs, mental health budgets, and detailed data on student interactions with SROs (including arrests and referrals), with the education department collecting and publishing this data. The bill also creates grants to help schools adopt non-law enforcement safety practices, such as conflict resolution and culturally affirming approaches.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts SROs to serious incidents, mandates de-escalation, reduces school arrests - aligns with criminal justice reform to limit unnecessary law enforcement involvement.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill restricts SROs from routine discipline, mandates de-escalation training, and requires mental health budget reporting - promoting student safety and resource allocation within schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement School Safety Student Health

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Jun 3, 2026

H 5050: An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for responding to recent federal actions

H 5050 is primarily an appropriations bill that allocates additional funding for state government operations in fiscal year 2026, including $300 million for group insurance premiums and $31 million for correctional facility operations. Its most significant policy change (Section 5) creates new restrictions on civil immigration enforcement at child care facilities: it prohibits law enforcement from entering licensed child care centers, family child care homes, or school-aged programs without a judicial warrant and prior approval from the facility director. The bill also requires these facilities to establish policies for handling immigration enforcement interactions, including verifying warrants and designating staff to manage such encounters. These provisions directly affect child care providers and law enforcement agencies operating near early childhood facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds correctional facilities ($31M), directly supporting criminal justice operations per appropriations allocation.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $300M for group insurance premiums, directly funding health coverage under state operations per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate May 14, 2026

S 2975: An Act protecting access to justice

By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2975) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Lydia Edwards, Patricia D. Jehlen, Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court for legislation to protect access to justice. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects access to justice in Judiciary, aligning with criminal justice reform goals like fair access and civil rights protection in court systems.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Feb 19, 2026

H 5126: An Act relative to treatment, not incarceration

H 5126 would require courts to assess probationers for substance use disorders and order treatment instead of jail time for relapse. It mandates individualized treatment plans using licensed providers or evidence-based practices (like medication-assisted therapy), with courts reviewing provider reports on progress. Probationers who complete treatment but relapse may receive additional treatment rather than incarceration. The bill preserves courts' authority to use other probation sanctions for public safety while shifting focus from punishment to treatment for substance use issues.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReplaces incarceration with treatment for probationers, promoting rehabilitation over punishment in criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates substance use disorder treatment via licensed providers instead of incarceration, directly supporting mental health services and improving access to healthcare for probationers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Probation & Parole Substance Abuse

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SD 3638: An Act to de-ICE Massachusetts law enforcement

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to de-ICE Massachusetts law enforcement. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts state law enforcement cooperation with ICE, alignating with criminal justice reform by protecting civil rights and reducing immigration-related overreach in law enforcement.92% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill explicitly aims to remove Massachusetts law enforcement from ICE cooperation, restricting state involvement in federal immigration enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 19, 2026

SD 3677: An Act relative to violations of the United States Constitution under color of law

By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of William N. Brownsberger, Cindy F. Friedman, Pavel M. Payano, Cynthia Stone Creem and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to violations of the United States Constitution under color of law. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill targets law enforcement constitutional violations under color of law, enhancing police accountability and protecting civil rights - core criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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