Criminal Justice

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1588: An Act to strengthen justice and support for sex trade survivors

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1116) of Cindy F. Friedman for legislation to strengthen justice and support for sex trade survivors. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly strengthens justice for sex trade survivors, aligning with criminal justice reform by supporting victims and improving system responsiveness.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1594: An Act establishing a correctional inspector general office

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1724) of Liz Miranda, William N. Brownsberger and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to establish a correctional inspector general office. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes correctional oversight body to enhance accountability and transparency in correctional facilities, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1778: An Act relative to successful transition and re-entry to tomorrow for incarcerated persons

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1661) of Sal N. DiDomenico and Michael J. Barrett for legislation relative to successful transition and re-entry to tomorrow for incarcerated persons. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill focuses on post-incarceration re-entry programs to reduce recidivism and support rehabilitation, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1670: An Act to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1681) of James B. Eldridge, Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Robyn K. Kennedy and other members of the Senate for legislation to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly aims to protect civil rights, directly aligning with criminal justice reform indicators like enhanced police accountability and civil rights protection.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill protects civil rights/safety of 'all Massachusetts residents,' implying inclusion of immigrants. Focus on civil rights aligns with indicators for supporting immigrant protections without explicit enforcement restrictions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2527: An Act relative to successful de-escalation techniques

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1648) of Nick Collins for legislation to require law enforcement and student resource officers to be trained in de-escalation techniques. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires de-escalation training for law enforcement, aligning with reform efforts to reduce use of force and enhance officer accountability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 640: An Act relative to access to community corrections

By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1643) of William N. Brownsberger for legislation relative to access to community corrections. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill improves access to community corrections (rehabilitation alternative to incarceration), supporting criminal justice reform by enhancing program availability and reducing recidivism.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1309: An Act relative to postsecondary education in correctional facilities

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1654) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation relative to postsecondary education in correctional facilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides postsecondary education in prisons, supporting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3780: An Act to provide continuum of care for severe mental illness

HD 3780 creates a new court-approved community-based treatment program for adults with severe mental illness who are at high risk of harm to themselves or others due to treatment non-adherence. It establishes a "critical community mental health service treatment plan" requiring court approval as the least restrictive alternative to hospitalization, targeting individuals who are "gravely disabled" (unable to meet basic needs safely due to mental illness) and have a history of repeated hospitalizations or violent behavior. The plan must include supervision, medication, and assistance with basic needs like housing and employment, with initial court orders limited to 180 days (renewable up to 365 days). This bill directly affects eligible individuals with severe mental illness and their care providers, shifting focus from inpatient commitment to structured community care under judicial oversight.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates court-approved community treatment as least restrictive alternative to hospitalization for gravely disabled individuals, diverting high-risk mental health cases from criminal justice system and promoting reform.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates court-approved community-based mental health treatment program as least restrictive alternative to hospitalization, expanding access to severe mental illness care.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2209: An Act relative to sexual assaults by adults in positions of authority or trust

HD 2209 strengthens penalties for sexual assaults committed by adults in positions of trust or authority over children. The bill targets individuals like teachers, coaches, mentors, caregivers, or family members who sexually assault minors (ages 14-17 or under 14) while in such roles or afterward. For victims aged 14-17, offenders face up to 10 years in prison; for victims under 14, sentences are life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of 10 years (no probation, parole, or sentence reductions for 10 years). The law explicitly states children under 18 cannot consent and removes defenses based on the termination of the trusted relationship. This bill directly affects offenders in trusted roles and provides enhanced protections for child victims.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthens sentencing for sexual assaults by authority figures, increasing penalties to protect minors and hold offenders accountable under criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing Violent Crime

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 697: An Act establishing the Dukes County Sheriff’s regional lockup fund

HD 697 establishes a dedicated Dukes County Sheriff Regional Lockup Fund administered by the Dukes County Sheriff’s Office. The fund provides state-funded regional lockup services for all towns in Dukes County, allowing arrested individuals (with or without warrant, in protective custody, or under civil process) to be detained at a centralized facility. Key provisions include granting police officers full authority during transport to the lockup facility, exempting participating towns from certain Chapter 40 requirements, and ensuring fund balances do not revert to the General Fund. This bill directly affects Dukes County towns and their law enforcement operations by creating a centralized, state-funded detention system.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds to establish a dedicated regional lockup fund for public safety services, directly advancing state budget allocation for essential public programs.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes state-funded lockup facility, providing dedicated funding for detention services within criminal justice infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

Track