Criminal Justice (Victims' Rights)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 665: 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 JusticeBill creates state Office of Restorative Justice to fund/support healing-focused programs (victim-offender conferences, community circles), directly advancing criminal justice reform by prioritizing rehabilitation over punitive measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 867: An Act to protect victims of crimes and the public

This bill (SD 867) updates Massachusetts criminal justice procedures to enhance victim safety and accountability. Key changes include requiring photo/fingerprinting for all defendants at arraignment (Section 2), imposing mandatory minimum sentences with no early release for certain offenses like "crime of abuse" (Sections 3-4), and creating new penalties for tampering with monitoring devices used in pretrial release or probation (Section 5). It also clarifies definitions for "crime of abuse" (Section 7), which includes domestic violence offenses, and expands court authority to set safety conditions for victims (Section 6). These provisions directly affect defendants, courts, and victims in criminal cases involving abuse or monitoring devices.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeImposes mandatory minimums with no early release for 'crime of abuse,' increasing punitive sentencing and reducing defendant rights per Sections 3-4.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Sentencing Victims' Rights

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1234: An Act relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction

HD 1234 creates a new program within the Massachusetts Attorney General's office to provide financial compensation and transitional social services (such as physical, emotional, and social support) to individuals wrongfully convicted of felonies who were exonerated. To qualify, a person must have served at least one year in prison for a felony conviction later overturned via a governor's pardon for innocence or a court-ordered reversal of the conviction, and must be indigent. The bill establishes a division to process claims, requiring applicants to submit sworn innocence statements, court documents, and proof of incarceration; if documents are sufficient, compensation is paid immediately, or a hearing is held within 60 days if additional information is needed. The division must also report annually to the legislature and governor on claims processed and payments made.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides financial compensation and social services to wrongful conviction victims, advancing criminal justice reform by addressing systemic errors and protecting civil rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2093: An Act relative to the well-being of new mothers and infants

HD 2093 modifies Massachusetts criminal justice procedures for female defendants who gave birth within 12 months before their alleged crime and are experiencing perinatal mental health conditions like postpartum depression or psychosis. It requires mandatory screening by a treating physician, expert evaluation by a reproductive psychiatrist within 48 hours, and specialized treatment plans including parenting support services for those committed to facilities. The bill also establishes new outpatient treatment pathways with specific safety reviews, including requiring consultation with a reproductive psychiatry expert and victim notification for female defendants with perinatal mental health conditions. This applies solely to criminal defendants in the justice system, not to general maternal healthcare access.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeModifies criminal justice procedures to prioritize mental health treatment and parenting support for new mothers instead of standard incarceration, advancing rehabilitation-focused reform.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health screenings, psychiatric evaluations, and specialized treatment plans for perinatal conditions, directly advancing mental health services within healthcare access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights Women's Health

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4009: 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 JusticeEnables survivors of abuse/trafficking to seek pretrial diversion, reduced sentences, and postconviction relief, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism through trauma-informed justice.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Victims' Rights Violent Crime

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1789: An Act relative to profits from crime

By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1789) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others for legislation to authorize the Division of Victim Compensation and Assistance to monitor profits from criminal activities of incarcerated persons. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill monitors profits from crime by incarcerated persons, aligning with criminal justice reform by preventing criminals from profiting and supporting victim compensation mechanisms.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1672: An Act to establish a program to improve communications between local law enforcement and crime victims in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

By Representative Donato of Medford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1672) of Paul J. Donato relative to communication between local law enforcement and crime victims. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes program to improve law enforcement-crime victim communication, enhancing victim support in criminal justice system per reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Dec 31, 2025

H 1758: An Act for fair compensation for erroneous felony conviction

By Representative Holmes of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1758) of Russell E. Holmes relative to compensation for erroneous felony convictions. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCompensates individuals wrongfully convicted, advancing civil rights and accountability in criminal justice reform per bill title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1654: An Act to enhance the rights of crime victims in the commonwealth

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1654) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to the rights of victims of certain crimes. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly enhances crime victims' rights, aligning with support indicators like protecting civil rights within the criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1965: An Act relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction

By Representatives Roy of Franklin and Worrell of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1965) of Jeffrey N. Roy, Christopher J. Worrell and Sean Reid relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCompensating victims of wrongful conviction directly protects civil rights and advances criminal justice reform by addressing systemic errors in the justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

Track