Criminal Justice

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1114: An Act relative to elder and medical parole

HD 1114 creates new parole pathways for incarcerated individuals aged 55+ and those with qualifying medical conditions. It requires parole boards to schedule hearings within 60 days of a person turning 55 or meeting a 15-year service threshold, with special consideration for age, medical conditions, and diminished capacity. For medical parole, it revises definitions of "permanent incapacitation" and "terminal illness," requiring medical documentation, a risk assessment, and 24-hour video evidence of incapacity before release. The bill mandates annual reporting on parole decisions and prohibits denial based on race, disability, or prior conviction alone.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates new parole pathways for elderly/medically vulnerable inmates, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to reduce incarceration and promote humane treatment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 4034: An Act to limit criminalization of the homeless

This bill (HD 4034) limits the criminalization of homelessness in Massachusetts by banning fines for "homeless camping" and preventing housing applications from being denied based on related offenses. It directly affects unhoused individuals who camp on public property due to lack of housing, defined as setting up temporary structures for shelter out of financial necessity. Key provisions include prohibiting cities from imposing fines for homeless camping (Section 4), blocking disclosure of such offenses in housing applications (Sections 1-2), and banning credit reporting of related fines (Section 6). The bill also defines "homeless camping" in Section 37 of Chapter 23B.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBans fines for homeless camping and prevents housing denial based on related offenses, reducing criminalization of homelessness - a core criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBans fines for homeless camping and blocks housing denials due to related offenses, directly protecting unhoused individuals' access to housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 1894: An Act providing disability compensation for qualified correctional officers

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1894) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to provide disability compensation for qualified correctional officers. Public Service.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides disability compensation for correctional officers, supporting workforce stability in the corrections branch of criminal justice.85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 5, 2025

S 84: 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 rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 11, 2026

H 184: An Act delivering a fair share of cannabis revenue to communities harmed by the war on drugs

This bill directs 50% of Massachusetts' cannabis tax revenue to a Community Reinvestment Fund. It specifically allocates these funds to communities disproportionately impacted by historical drug enforcement policies, particularly communities of color. The key mechanism is a mandatory revenue share from cannabis taxes, managed through the fund to support local economic development and social services. The bill directly affects eligible communities across Massachusetts that have faced systemic harms from the "war on drugs." This is a revenue allocation measure, not a change to cannabis laws or regulations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates 50% of cannabis tax revenue allocation to Community Reinvestment Fund, directly funding community development in impacted areas through fiscal management of tax proceeds.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill directs cannabis tax revenue to communities harmed by historical drug enforcement (war on drugs), promoting criminal justice reform through targeted reinvestment in affected areas.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Drug Policy

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 1711: An Act regarding consistent care for addiction rooted in evidence

By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1711) of John F. Keenan for legislation to require all state and county correctional facilities to provide medication for addiction treatment (MAT) for substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates MAT in correctional facilities, promoting evidence-based rehabilitation to reduce recidivism - directly supports criminal justice reform in corrections.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires MAT in correctional facilities, expanding access to addiction treatment as part of healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1726: An Act relative to incarcerated persons councils

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1726) of Liz Miranda for legislation relative to incarcerated persons councils. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes councils for incarcerated persons' input, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to improve conditions and reduce recidivism.85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 1781: An Act concerning the arrest without a warrant of persons on probation

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1781) of John C. Velis for legislation relative to paper warrants and persons on probation. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAllows warrantless arrests for probationers, reducing judicial oversight and expanding enforcement powers without court approval, contradicting reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Jul 3, 2025

HD 4867: A communication from the District Attorney of Essex County (see Section 70C of Chapter 277 of the General Laws) submitting notification of objections to motions to decriminalize certain offenses

This is not a legislative bill but a procedural communication from the Essex County District Attorney. It formally notifies the legislature of objections to motions seeking to decriminalize certain offenses, referencing Section 70C of Chapter 277 of the General Laws. The communication was filed on July 3, 2025, and does not propose new law or alter existing statutes. It directly affects the legislative process by documenting the DA's position on decriminalization efforts. No voting or policy change is enacted by this filing.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeDA objects to decriminalization motions, opposing efforts to reduce criminalization of certain offenses per Section 70C of Chapter 277.90% confidence

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Aug 21, 2025

HD 5038: An Act further protecting witnesses from intimidation

By Representative Galvin of Canton, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of William C. Galvin relative to protecting witnesses from intimidation. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects witnesses from intimidation, enhancing court integrity and civil rights within criminal justice system95% confidence

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