Criminal Justice

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3034: An Act relative to police interactions with persons on the autism spectrum

HD 3034 requires Massachusetts law enforcement officers and correction officers to complete new in-service training by January 1, 2024, focusing on appropriate interactions with people on the autism spectrum and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The training, which must include at least 2 hours of instruction, covers topics like de-escalation techniques, understanding sensory processing differences, proper interrogation methods, and safe arrest procedures. It directly affects all municipal police departments, sheriff's offices, campus police, and correctional facilities statewide. The bill mandates that training include input from autistic adults and experts to address the unique needs of individuals with these conditions during police encounters.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires law enforcement training on autism spectrum interactions, promoting de-escalation and civil rights protections, directly advancing police accountability in criminal justice95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1553: An Act increasing penalties for hit and runs with recreational vehicles in the Commonwealth to be known as the James Ward Act

This bill increases penalties for hit-and-run incidents involving recreational vehicles (like ATVs or snowmobiles) that cause injury or death. For non-fatal collisions where the driver flees without providing details, penalties now include up to one year in jail or a $500-$1,000 fine (previously only a fine). For hit-and-runs resulting in death, penalties rise to up to 2.5 years in jail or a $5,000 fine (previously less severe). The law directly affects recreational vehicle operators who flee after causing injury or death, aiming to strengthen accountability for these specific offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for hit-and-run offenses, expanding criminalization and harsher sentencing per bill's explicit language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4161: An Act relative to public safety, fiscal responsibility, and emergency assistance

This bill modifies Massachusetts law regarding immigration cooperation and emergency housing assistance. For public safety, it requires state/local law enforcement to detain certain individuals for up to 12 hours (with judicial review within that timeframe) when ICE requests custody for non-citizens convicted of specific serious offenses like terrorism, gang activity, or violent crimes. For emergency housing, it restricts eligibility to U.S. citizens or immigrants with 12 consecutive months of continuous Massachusetts residency, requiring specific documentation (e.g., tax returns, driver's license, utility bills) and prohibiting fraudulent applications. These changes directly affect immigrants seeking housing assistance and law enforcement agencies handling ICE requests.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates detention of non-citizens convicted of serious crimes (terrorism, violence) for public safety, strengthening law enforcement cooperation within criminal justice framework.85% confidence ✗ HousingOpposes HousingRestricts emergency housing eligibility to citizens/12+ month residents, limiting access to housing assistance per bill summary95% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationMandates detention for ICE custody requests on serious offenses and restricts emergency housing to citizens or long-term immigrants, increasing enforcement cooperation and limiting service access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 825: An Act to ensure compliance with the anti-shackling law for pregnant incarcerated women

This bill amends Massachusetts' anti-shackling law to better protect pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women. It defines "postpartum recovery" as the period after childbirth (minimum 6 weeks, extendable by a doctor) and replaces outdated terms like "post-delivery recuperation" with this new definition. The law prohibits shackling any pregnant or postpartum woman "under any circumstances or in any setting," requires facility administrators to report restraint use within 48 hours (without personal details), and mandates annual public compliance reports to the legislature. These changes directly affect incarcerated women in state and county facilities and require staff training, facility administrators, and the secretary of public safety to implement and report on new safeguards.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits shackling pregnant/postpartum incarcerated women, advancing protections for vulnerable individuals in corrections under criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits shackling of pregnant/postpartum women, protecting health during critical medical period per bill's definition of postpartum recovery.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1500: An Act relative to harm reduction and racial justice

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1391) of Julian Cyr for legislation relative to harm reduction and racial justice. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes harm reduction and racial justice, directly addressing systemic biases and reducing criminalization of substance use, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill focuses on harm reduction and mental health/substance use recovery services, directly supporting healthcare access and treatment under healthcare topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 892: An Act to create Cannabis career pathways for justice-involved individuals

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 84) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to create Cannabis career pathways for justice-involved individuals. Cannabis Policy.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates cannabis career pathways for justice-involved individuals, promoting reentry and reducing recidivism - direct criminal justice reform support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1634: An Act relative to treatment, not incarceration

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1117) of Cindy F. Friedman, Michael J. Barrett, Russell E. Holmes, John F. Keenan and others for legislation relative to treatment, not incarceration. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly advocates for treatment over incarceration, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators like reducing recidivism and improving rehabilitation programs.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill advocates for treatment over incarceration, directly supporting mental health services and patient access within healthcare policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Mental Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2126: An Act codifying organizational standing to protect and promote civil rights

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1248) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to codify public interest organizational standing to protect and promote civil rights. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill codifies organizational standing to protect civil rights, directly aligning with criminal justice reform indicators like civil rights protection and oversight.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2600: 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 disorders in shoplifting penalties, promoting treatment over punishment aligning with reform indicators.85% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2327: An Act to reform parole supervision in the interest of justice

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1728) of Liz Miranda for legislation to reform parole supervision in the interest of justice. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly aims to reform parole supervision, a core criminal justice function, aligning with reform indicators like improving oversight and justice outcomes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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